Page 46 of Taken by the Lawman

Although he said the words, he only tightened his hold on her. Imagining him getting up was enough to make her cold. “I think I could probably make an exception this once. I know how some people get their feelings hurt if there isn’t any cuddling after sex.”

“Exactly. I do have a heart, you know,” he whispered.

“There is one in every chest.” She swallowed hard, thinking of how hers beat rapidly now. She liked being here in his arms and he did promise he’d never let her go. “I hate to dump a barrel of ice on this situation, but I’m not using birth control.”

“Neither am I so we’re in the same boat.”

“Does anything ruffle your feathers?”

“Criminals.”

“We’re too old to not use protection. I’ve always protected myself. I’m not sure where my head was.”

“Sweetheart, it’s okay. I’ve never been with a woman without using a condom. I guess there’s a first time for everything and I’m certainly not complaining.”

A part of her wanted to tell him about her wish for a baby, and that she was on a fertility drug, but she didn’t want to break the spell between them…not just yet.

It didn’t take long before his even breathing lulled her to sleep, only to hear the buzzing of her phone from the nightstand. Groggily, she reached for the offensive interruption and read the screen. It was a missed call from her dad.

A soft knock came on the door and she looked over at Deegan who was still sound asleep. She remembered that he was a heavy sleeper. Not wanting to disturb him, she slid from the bed, reached for the throw over the chair and wrapped up in it. Tiptoeing through the living room, she glanced at the clock. One A.M. Who could be here at this time of night?

Opening the door a few inches, she peered out, seeing Cull standing on the doorstep. She pulled it wider. “What’s wrong? Is it Ma or Pa?” Fear trickled down her spine.

“No. Sorry to bother you, but Mr. Big is missing. I need help in bringing him back in.”

“Give me five minutes.”

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