Page 50 of Protected Hearts

“The only thing that my not going to Russia messed up is Vanya getting a bride. The deal with William still went through.”

Oaks sat back in his seat. “That’s good, though. Make William comfy enough and he’ll get cocky. Cocky men make mistakes.”

Shiloh snorted. “Except you Malone men, of course.” She and Willow traded a grin.

“One other important thing, Shiloh.”

She hitched a brow at him in a skeptical expression. “Why do I already know I’m going to dislike this?”

“We’re going to stay inside more because of the drones.”

Her only response was a small tightening of her full lips, making the top one thinner. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her and show her just how much fun was to be had indoors.

The meeting wrapped up with all the information divulged—at least he damn well hoped his wife didn’t have more she was keeping from them. He led her out to the kitchen, thinking he’d set the kettle on for more tea. After the agitating topic of the meeting, she would need something to settle her nerves. He had to talk to her too—privately.

As soon as Oaks had her through the door, he grabbed her around the waist and yanked her flush against him. She issued a gasp of surprise.

“I really am sorry about asking you to stay indoors, honey. I know the toll it took on you these last six months.”

She blinked up at him, her gray-blue eyes even bluer. “It’s all right, Oaks.”

“No, it’s not. Because tonight would be the perfect night to dance under the stars.” He lowered his voice to a croon as he nuzzled her nose with his.

He’d never imagined himself saying such corny, romantic things to any woman. But Shiloh brought a warm kernel ofemotion to his heart that he’d never known before. Right this moment, he was so damn proud of her. So awed by how exceptional she was.

And more than turned on by her.

A gagging noise from behind Oaks made his spine stiffen. “Get lost, Carson.”

“I’ll only interrupt your sickening poetry for a minute, bro.”

Oaks released Shiloh, and she stepped away, that pink blush he’d seen her wear several times on her cheeks.

Carson nodded to her. “I need to ask one more thing. What did you do for the last six months you were in hiding?”

Confusion pinched her blonde brows. “Freelance computer work. Online.”

With another nod and a wave of his hand, Carson said, “Get back to your kisses at midnight or whatever it is you were discussing.”

Oaks groaned for his brother’s benefit even as he walked out the door.

Chapter Twelve

Oaks pushed open the glass door leading to what appeared to be an enclosed outdoor space. He shot Shiloh a glance over his shoulder. “Come on.”

“I thought you said we can’t go outside.”

“This isn’t outside. Not really. The walls are made of privacy glass. On the outside, they only reflect the mountain.”

His eyes sparkled in the soft glow from the string lights crisscrossing the ceiling of the enclosed and covered deck. The dim lights reflected off the glass walls, making her feel as though they were in a private cocoon. The only thing missing was the chirp of crickets and the leaves rustling in a peaceful evening rhythm.

Just over the threshold, she paused, and Oaks let the door drift shut behind them.

She studied her surroundings. The warmth of the space surprised her until she saw the source: a small gas fireplace with two comfortable chairs set in front of it. The chairs had fluffy cushions and even a throw blanket was draped over one, the long tassel kissing the wood floor.

“Wow,” she breathed. “What other rooms do you have hidden away in this big house of yours?”

He wove his fingers with hers, tugging her lightly to bring her forward. “Oh, you know. The usual. Towers to lock princesses away in. The dragon’s lair.”

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