Page 23 of Beautiful Vengeance

It wouldn’t be like that with Marcus. It would be totally different, because his attraction to her made herwantto engage rather than shut down. But what was his fantasy? She could do it all: demure and submissive, sex kitten, bold and confident, dominatrix, innocent, and everything in between. What did he prefer?

Sighing, she cuddled closer, allowing her mind to drift even as her body remained vividly awake, an almost humming sensation traveling over her skin.

One big hand began gently stroking her hair. She squeezed her eyes shut, every lonely part of her soaking up the affection like a parched sponge. She wanted to turn her head and kiss him. Lose herself in the comfort and pleasure he might offer, but she sensed he wasn’t ready for it yet, and right at this moment she was too raw and fragile inside anyway.

She thought he brushed a kiss to the crown of her head, then he released her and leaned back to look down into her face. “Do you need anything?”

You.

She wrestled the word back before it could come out. “Just a little rest, maybe.” With him. God, how amazing would it feel to have him wrapped around her as she drifted off?

He nodded once. “I’ll take you back inside.”

She was about to tell him she didn’t need an escort, but shut her mouth because she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible, even the minute it would take them to get into the house.

Marcus bent, picked up his cane, then gave her a gentle smile that warmed her insides before setting his free hand at the small of her back. They walked side by side while Karas limped ahead of them, the heat of his palm sinking through her sweater.

His touch was protective rather than proprietary. Silently telling her he had her back. And that meant more than anything he could possibly have said.

“Poor Karas,” she said, watching the dog hobble up the gravel path.

“She’ll be all right.” He shot her a sideways glance. “She’s strong, like you. And some rest will do both of you good.”

Inside the house she expected him to drop his hand and leave. Instead he paused inside the back door and looked down at her. “Fancy a nap on the couch by the fire while I get some work done?”

She smiled, her heart fluttering. He wanted more time with her too, or maybe he sensed she’d feel safer with him there to keep watch. “I’d like that.”

He nodded once. “Go on then, get settled. I’ll make you a hot brew.”

Too tired to protest, she made her way to the study. Karas went with her, flopping down on her bed in front of the fire with a loud groan and immediately shut her eyes, as if the short walk to the stable and back had exhausted her.

Kiyomi sat on the tufted leather sofa and opened her journal. She sometimes jotted down things after a session, but right now she was too drained.

Marcus came in a few minutes later with a mug. “It’s green tea and honey,” he said, handing it to her.

“Thank you.”

He nodded and knelt beside the dog to stroke her head a few times before stacking kindling and logs in the grate. “This’ll keep you both warm as toast,” he said, striking a long match and lighting the kindling.

Warm, golden-orange light flickered over her, the heat already spilling out into the room. “Here,” he told her, laying one of the throw pillows on the end of the sofa flat. “Stretch out.”

Feeling a little silly but also like a pampered princess, Kiyomi laid down and curled up on her side, her notebook beside her and pen still in her hand. Maybe she’d rest for a bit and then do some writing in here where it was quiet.

Marcus took a woven tartan blanket from the wide ottoman that served as a coffee table, shook it out and spread it over her. Her heart squeezed when he gently tucked it around her, then straightened, his deep brown gaze sweeping her face as he passed a gentle hand over her hair.

“Sleep for a while,” he murmured, that low, accented voice wrapping around her.

The emotional purge earlier had exhausted her. Being tucked all cozy and warm beneath the blanket that smelled of Marcus while he watched over her from his desk allowed her mind to relax completely. She was safe, cared about, and the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth soon had her eyes drifting shut.

One last thought drifted through her mind before she faded into sleep, bringing a spurt of anxiety. Marcus was here, watching her.

She prayed her subconscious would keep her nightmares at bay.

Chapter Seven

Marcus glanced up from his computer screen a while later when Kiyomi’s breathing suddenly turned choppy. The fire was burning low in the grate. He couldn’t see her from his vantage point behind his desk, but he could see the edge of the pillow move as she shifted.

She made a distressed sound and moved restlessly, still asleep. On her bed next to the fire, Karas lifted her head, her gaze trained on Kiyomi.

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