Page 21 of Simon's Runaway Mate

I watched her bounce out of bed, enjoying the way she jiggled as she moved around the room. She grabbed my shirt off the floor and pulled it over her head. I liked the way it covered her, landing at her knees.

“Go!” She shooed me, though she was the one walking out of the room. “Simon!”

I laughed at the snap in her tone. My tiny mate was big on giving orders. I spent most of the shower imagining Cecilia in with me. Thinking of the way I’d hold her against the wall or bend her over or get down on my knees and make her scream her pleasure over and over again. Next time. Definitely.

She was nibbling on a breakfast bar of some kind when I walked into the kitchen, holding the now empty mug of coffee she’d left for me on the bathroom counter along with the bag I’d left in the Jeep. She bounced out of her chair, and it was natural for me to pull her close and kiss her, which ended with me lifting her to sit on the table while I moved between her sprawled thighs. We were both panting hard when we came up for air.

“Thanks for grabbing my bag for me.”

“I figured you’d want clean clothes. Now, it’s my turn in the shower. Did you leave me any hot water?”

“If not, I promise to warm you up.” I kissed her again. I couldn’t be around her and not have my mouth on her. Or my hands. I had to touch her.

“I need to go,” she reminded me, but neither of us were moving. Instead, she leaned in, kissing me softly on the lips. “The sooner I shower, the sooner we leave. The sooner we get back. The sooner I can get you naked and have my way with you.”

I chuckled. “I like the sound of that.”

“Me, too.” She nipped my chin with her sharp teeth. “Now, I’m showering. Alone. You keep that gorgeous ass in here while I do. I can’t wait to take you to my dad’s house and for you to meet Leslie. She’s amazing.”

“I’m sure she is,” I agreed and kept my gaze glued to Cecilia’s ass as she walked away. Leslie might be amazing, but I couldn’t imagine her holding a candle to my woman.

Chapter Eight

~Cici~

I watched Simon’s face as he met Leslie. I knew she wasn’t what he’d expected. Hannibal was a big guy. Huge by any standard. Most people seemed to assume his mom had to be tall, as well. As if he’d been born the size he currently was. But Leslie wasn’t that much taller than I was. And she had a petite frame like I did. Her personality, though? It was larger than life. She loved ferociously and protected those she loved the same way. I didn’t know all of her and Hannibal’s story before they met us, but I knew she’d watched over her son and kept him safe. I knew she’d accepted me as her daughter even before my dad talked her into saying I do.

“Cici! I hear you had some excitement.” She folded me into her arms, hugging me tight. “This must be your Simon.”

“Ma’am,” Simon answered.

“Oh, I like you.” Her expression hardened. “Hurt my girl, and things won’t go well for you.”

Simon smiled. “Have you ever hurt your mate?”

She shared a glance with my father. “Unintentionally.”

“Simon’s not going to hurt me,” I jumped in, walking to his side and lacing our fingers. “I won’t let him.” I needed all of them to know I could take care of myself.

“Cecilia brought me here, so we’d have a chance to get to know each other,” Simon told them. “She and I will need to head back to Rigton County, soon. My alpha’s expecting us.”

“How soon?” my dad asked.

“A few—”

“Tomorrow,” Simon answered.

I started to question but pressed my lips together. I wasn’t going to make my dad worry any more than he already would. I’d save my questions for Simon until we were alone. Simon obviously wasn’t picking up on that, though.

“Sorry, baby. We need to get back. Hannibal will be leaving with the wolves he caught, and a few of our guys will be going with him. I’d like to be back before they leave.”

“Why?” Leslie asked, gaze sharp as she looked between us. “Is there something going on? Is my son in danger?”

Simon snorted. “Not from us. He’s mated to Belinda James. He’s my alpha’s brother-in-law, now. Hannibal’s place in our pack is solid.”

“Can’t Cici stay here and join you later?” my dad asked.

Simon shook his head. “No. I won’t leave my mate any more than I’m willing to bet you’d leave yours.”

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