Page 52 of Demo

“Then that’s all that matters. We’ll figure the rest out. You,” he brought her hands to his lips, “are more important to me than I ever thought possible. You’re in my every thought, my every dream. I go to bed at night longing to be in yours next to you, even if it’s fully clothed. As much as I want us to make love right now, if you asked me to wait, I would. I’veneverwanted to be with a woman as I do you. It’s like you’re fundamental to my very existence. I’ll never make fun of Bulldog not being able to let Abby out of his sight because I knowexactlyhow he feels. Anytime I have to leave you, it’s like you’re calling me back. I love you, Paige Hannigan. I’m no longer asking if it’s too soon or if it’s too fast. I just wantyou.”

“And the boys,” she reminded him. “Package deal.”

“Oh, I’m very aware. We’ll figure out what sort of relationship you want me to have with them as we go on. I’ve neverwantedto be a dad before,” he smirked at her, “but I am definitely starting to see the appeal.”

“How about you just be their friend for now?” she offered. “I don’t want to move too fast wherethey’reconcerned.”

Demo nodded. “Completely reasonable.”

“Is there anything else you have to tell me?” she asked him softly. “Or,” she corrected, “that you areallowedto tell me?”

“That’s a longer conversation when my cock isn’t trying to rip its way out of my jeans.” Demo gave her a wicked smile. “If you want to talk now, then we’ll talk. But, honestly, all my blood is not exactly stimulating my brain right now.”

She laughed. “You know that’s a myth, right? You actually have increased blood flow to both areas during sex.”

He blinked. “Really? I don’t think I knew that.”

Paige grinned at him. “The average erection only holds four-point-four ounces of blood.” Glancing down at the bulge in his pants, Paige added, “Though in your case, you might be higher than average.”

Demo stood up. “Have I told you that I love smart women?”

“Women?” she questioned. “Have I mentioned that cheating is another hard limit of mine?”

“Me too,” he answered immediately. Leaning in, he nipped at her ear. Paige shivered at the sharp contact. “I willkillany man who dares touch you, Paige Hannigan. You’re mine.”

Breathless, Paige managed to say, “I had a controlling husband, Demo. I’m not interested in being a trophy on a shelf.”

He pulled back enough to meet her eyes. “I’m possessive, not controlling. Unless it pertains to your safety, then I reserve the right to control the hell out of you.”

Despite herself, Paige snorted. “Is that so?”

“So,” he told her sternly. “I can’t lose you, Paige. I don’t think I could bear it. Please, when it comes to you and the boys’ safety, don’t question me on it. If I ever tell you to run, even if it means leaving me behind, I need you to do it.”

There was such depth of emotion behind his eyes, they truly did remind her of the ocean. It was the concern there, though, and the fear that had her nodding her head. She couldn’t imagine ever actually doing that—running and letting him face whatever anticipated danger he feared—but she agreed to appease him. It seemed like something he needed from her.

He gave her an appreciative smile and leaned in to kiss her.

“Can I ask you something?” she asked when he pulled back.

“Anything.”

“You claim that I’m yours. You want me to wear a cut that says that I’m your property. Does…” she hesitated. “Does that mean you’d be mine too?”

“Fuck yes, it does. I will walk across the street and get your name tattooed on my chest in big bold letters right now if that’s what you need.”

Paige laughed but then stopped when she saw the seriousness on his face. “Wait. Are you serious?”

He nodded.

She looked his clothed body up and down, trying to remember. “Do youhaveany tattoos?”

He nodded. “You probably didn’t notice in the video call because you were too busy staring at my ass.”

Paige snorted. She reached to untuck his shirt from his belted jeans. “Show me. I want to see.”

Demo reached behind his back and pulled his long sleeve shirt up and over his head in one swift movement. His well-formed pecs and abs immediately drew her attention. Paige licked her lips appreciatively.

“You know,” she touched the ridge between his six-pack, “the first time I saw you without your shirt on, my very first thought wasdamn, I want to lick that man all over.” Paige leaned in, her tongue out as if she was going to follow through on her words. Then she abruptly sat up and looked exaggeratingly around his naked torso. “I don’t see any tattoos!”

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