Page 53 of Fierce Protector

“We only got one wolf. More can come back tonight. It’s best to be prepared.”

She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe his audacity. Surprisingly, she zipped the bag and grabbed the one with towels.

“You can wipe that smug smile off your face. You didn’t win. I didn’t agree to come to the she-shed.”

“But you will.”

She narrowed her eyes in the cutest display of anger and walked away, bag slung over her shoulder and her ass swaying in a way that told him that she was turned on. Really turned on.

When they reached the shore of the pond, she turned to him, eyes dancing with delight. “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. I didn’t even know this pond existed.”

“I found it during one of my drives. I like to explore.”

That translated to taking off on his own to think and try to silence the screams of the past.

The bag he carried contained the takeout he’d ordered from Badlands. When he set up a blanket and placed the food in the center, he waved a hand. “Want to have a bite before we…” He waggled his brows in invitation.

She giggled. “We’ll have to wait half an hour before we swim.”

“I’m a SEAL. I can hold my breath for four minutes. You’re in good hands.” He held out a palm to her, and she placed hers in it.

“Let’s see what you brought to eat.” She opened a takeout box and then closed it again. Looked at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“How do you pick my favorites every time?”

“I asked Livia at the bar. She told me what you order.”

Demi stared down at the closed container for so long that he started to worry she was angry with him.

Using his knuckle under her chin, he lifted her gaze to his. Tears sparkled in the depths of her brown eyes.

“Fuck! Demi, what did I do?”

“You…c-care.”

His mouth fell open in astonishment. “Of course I care, baby.”

You don’t even know the half of it.

She waved her hands in front of her face to dry up the tears. “So silly. Stupid emotions. I don’t want to ruin our date by crying.”

He stroked his thumb across her plump bottom lip and watched her eyes clear to make way for desire.

He dropped his hand and pulled his food container closer. Crossing his ankles, he picked up his sandwich and took a bite. He groaned at the mouthful of exceptional food.

Demi bobbed her head. “Delicious, right?”

“Damn good.”

“It’s a specialty at Badlands. Livia has it perfected.”

While they ate, they gazed at the rugged beauty of the landscape. The mountain backdrop felt like coming home to a man who’d spent months in similar surroundings. But having Demi at his side really made it perfect.

“I’m ready to discuss the baby.”

Her statement, spoken so out of the blue, took him by surprise.

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