Page 68 of Destined to Fight

He said she did things to him, but he had the same effect on her, and he knew it. She knew well enough that he could smell her arousal every time he excited her. He was trying to be a gentleman and to take care of her, something she’d always wanted in a man. Now that she had it, though, all she wanted was for him to let his guard down and stop treating her like she was breakable.

Teasing a vampire who’d admitted he was bloodlusting after her probably wasn’t the best idea she’d ever had, but she wasn’t afraid of him. It had nothing to do with her decision to let fear go. She’d always known Kade would keep her safe, from the first moment he touched her. He wouldn’t hurt her, and she was about to bet her life on it.

Kelly threw caution to the wind, and her clothes went with it…all of them.

20

Kelly awoke to Kade’s arm wrapped around her torso, her back to his hard chest. Well, sort of to his chest. He was still on top of the covers.

She replayed the final events of last night in her mind and couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her.

When her thong hit the floor, Kade had coughed like he was choking on something.

She’d quickly done her nightly routine in the bathroom and then come back to crawl into bed. When she came out of the bathroom, Kade got a glimpse of her and nearly lost his cool. His eyes were already amber, and his fangs were fully extended, longer than she’d ever seen them.

“Fuck, lass, why are ye doin’ this?”

“Because I’m not afraid of you.” She’d turned off the light and crawled into bed, turning her back to him.

It took a long time, but Kade finally lay down beside her. Only this time, he had his clothes on, and he was lying on top of the covers.

Kelly wanted to tempt him further and tell him to undress and lie with her, but she decided to let it go. Gift horse and all that. Part of her had expected him to leave when she took off her clothes. He was truly terrified he would hurt her.

Focusing on the morning, she remembered her goal to train with Fabian and slid from beneath the covers to get ready. She threw on her usual leggings and a tank top and put her hair up again. When she came into the room, Kade’s arm was over his eyes.

“Tell me yer dressed.”

“I’m dressed.”

“Thank the gods. Yer going to kill me.”

“I’m sure you’ve survived worse than this. I’ve got to go train with Fabian. I want to get some time in before my dad gets here,” she explained as she walked to the door.

“I’ll be down there in a bit. Going to shower and change.”

She smiled at him and opened the door. He gave his half smile before rolling on his back and groaning in frustration. His jeans didn’t quite hide his erection, and she took pride in the fact that it was her doing.

Downstairs, everyone was in the kitchen. Fabian was cooking, and Asmund and Ginna were at the counter.

“Good morning, Warrior,” Fabian greeted her.

For the first time, that name meant something to her. It didn’t fit yet, but she would earn it soon enough.

“Good morning.” She smiled at him.

A slight shriek came from across the room. “Oh. My. Gosh! I’m so excited to see you again!” Asta ran around the kitchen island, arms wide, and wrapped Kelly in a very firm, very genuine hug.

“Um, hey, Asta.” Kelly barely managed as Asta squeezed the air from her lungs.

“Oh, shoot, I’m so sorry. I’m used to hugging vampires, not humans.” She put her hands on Kelly’s shoulders and backed up a half step.

“I’m glad you finally made it to Dallas!”

Asta gestured to the bar. “Sit. Breakfast is almost ready. We can chat while you all eat.”

Kelly took the stool between Asmund and another guy whose head was buried in his tablet. Long, jet-black hair hid his face from her view until he turned to look at her. Smooth features gave him a somewhat young look, maybe early thirties? But his eyes held ages of knowledge.

He offered his hand to her. “I’m Connor.” His thick Irish accent surprised her for some reason.

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