Page 19 of Midnight Rebel

He steps closer, his tall frame towering over me. “You can still do your job,” he says, his voice softer now. “But you’ll do it from here. Where I can keep an eye on you.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Keep an eye on me? Or keep me under your thumb?”

A hint of a smile tugs at his lips. “Both,” he admits, his blue eyes locked onto mine. “But mostly, I just want to keep you safe.”

Safe. The word resonates within me, stirring something deep and primal. I’ve never had someone want to protect me like this—not since my dad left when I was a kid.

Colt is gruff and commanding, yes, but gentleness resides beneath his rough exterior. A tenderness he reserves for me.

I take a deep breath, my resistance crumbling. “I’ll stay. But only until we get to the bottom of this.”

Relief flickers in his eyes, but he doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he nods, his expression stoic. “Good. Now, let’s get your things from the hotel so we can get you settled in.”

A short time later, I step through the grand doors of The Manor, my small suitcase rolling behind me. The foyer feels different now—less intimidating, more welcoming.

Colt stands beside me, his presence both comforting and unsettling. He takes my bag, his fingers brushing mine. “Welcome to your temporary home, Firefly.”

Home. I’ve never truly felt at home anywhere since leaving Midnight Falls, but standing here with Colt, I feel a sense of belonging.

“I’ll show you to your room,” he says, taking my suitcase.

He leads me up the grand staircase, his hand resting on the small of my back. The simple touch sends shivers down my spine,igniting a warmth that spreads through my veins. I can’t help but lean into his touch, craving more.

Colt takes me to a room at the end of the hall. It’s spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large four-poster bed, a stunning view of the gardens, and a fireplace that crackles with a cozy fire.

Little details catch my eye—the vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand, the fluffy robe laid out on the bed, the bottle of my favorite wine placed on the table by the window.

“You arranged all this for me?” I ask, my voice choked with emotion.

Colt shifts uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing. I want you to be comfortable.”

“It’s not nothing, Colt. It’s... it’s perfect.”

He looks down at me then, his eyes softening. “You deserve perfection, Autumn. I never thought I’d find someone who makes me feel this way.”

The words wrap around me like an embrace, melting my doubts. I stand on my toes, my lips brushing his in a tentative kiss. He lets me lead, his body tense as if he’s holding back. But when I deepen the kiss, his control snaps.

He pulls me flush against him, his arms wrapping around me like steel bands. His kiss is fierce, demanding, filled with a desperation that matches mine.

I cling to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as our tongues dance, our breaths mingle, and our hearts beat as one.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless, our chests heaving with exertion. I reach up, cupping his cheek. His stubble is rough against my palm, but his skin is warm, inviting.

“Colt,” I whisper, my eyes locked onto his. “What are we doing?”

Colt rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as if he’s savoring the moment.

“Stay with me,” he whispers, his voice raw with emotion. “Not just here, in The Manor. Stay with me. Be mine.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my breath hitch. Fear of the unknown, of the risks that come with loving someone like Colt. But also joy—joy at the thought of belonging to him, of being his.

“I’m yours, Colt,” I say, my voice filled with conviction.

A shudder runs through him as if my words have unlocked something deep within him. He sweeps me off my feet, carrying me to the bed with an urgency that sets my pulse racing.

He lays me down gently, his body covering mine as he claims my lips in another searing kiss.

His fingers slip under my shirt. Possessive. Firm. I don’t pull away. I’m ready. I want this. He traces my hip.

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