Page 155 of Unwrapping Deviance

Mira frowns. “Then what?”

I blow out a breath and shake my head.

Damn woman is going to be the death of my patience.

“Go get dressed. I’ll finish breakfast.”

Her eyes narrow, not falling for my nonchalance. “What’s out there?”

Nothing as far as I could see, but I don’t want her around when I go check. I don’t want her to see the extent of human malice. Not for her peace of mind but my little demon might start killing people and we’ll both end up in prison because I’m not letting anyone put cuffs on her ... except me.

So, for Daniel’s sanity, it’s best for all if she lets me do this alone.

“Bird flew into the house,” I lie.

A single eyebrow lifts. “Big bird.”

I shrug.

She moves towards me. It’s probably not supposed to be seductive, but her marked and naked body covered only by a solitary t-shirt and panties, wielding a knife and cool suspicion has me a little distracted when she backs me into the door and levels the blade at my face.

“Are you lying to me, MacAllister?”

Fuck, she makes me hard.

“Yes,” I tell her evenly.

The corner of her mouth curves in amusement she’s trying not to show. “What’s out there?”

“Dead bird,” I repeat, knowing she knows I’m lying but that’s the lie I’m sticking with.

She huffs and rolls her eyes. “You shouldn’t go out there alone. I don’t hear the water running anymore. Daniel will be down in a minute.”

“You’re right. Go get him.”

Mira scoffs. “Seriously? You think I’m that stupid?”

With a motion that startles her into dropping the knife with a noisy clatter, I capture her wrist and spin her to take my place against the door. I resist the urge to force my knee between those supple thighs.

This is not the time.

Doesn’t stop me from kissing her though.

“Not stupid,” I growl into her mouth. “Brave. Protective. Stubborn. Fucking hot headed. You’re dangerous.”

“Don’t pacify me,” she grumbles.

I shake my head. “Cross my heart. I can’t think clearly if I’m worried about you, brat. You need to stay when I tell you to stay.”

Her annoyance doesn’t recede. It only bubbles higher behind her eyes in a flare of anger.

“That’s ridiculous. I can’t hide knowing something could happen to you.”

I kiss her again. Softly. Sweetly. Tiny sips of her anger until she’s kissing me back.

“Daniel will protect me. I will protect Daniel. We both will protect you. That’s how this works. Now, stop arguing with me and get your pretty ass upstairs before I hook you up again.”

Her damp lips part in outrage.

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