Page 36 of Kidnapped By a SEAL

“Shhh, baby,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “It was just another dream.”

All hesitancy toward touching her had gone out the window now that he’d been sleeping in the same bed as her. She needed him, and hell if he wouldn’t do everything in his power to comfort her.

His large hand slid over her silky hair, and he cradled her trembling body against his chest.

She was so small compared to him and fit against him so perfectly, it was a damn wonder he’d met her only by chance. Emily nestled in his arms like she belonged there, like she was his—and hell if he’d never thought that about a woman before.

Sure, he’d be happy to have a woman in his bed, to hear her cry out his name and then to come in her tight heat. But this?

He didn’t expect it to feel so natural. He didn’t expect to feel much of anything at all when he held a woman in his arms. Maybe it was just his protective instincts roaring to life. He’d literally carried her injured body out of harm’s way. He’d fought dangerous men for her. It was natural for Emily to still turn to him for comfort after all of that, wasn’t it?

“I dreamt I was back there again,” she whimpered. “God, this is so crazy. I can’t keep having these nightmares.”

“Em,” he said gently. “You haven’t even been back in your own place for one single night. It’s normal to be frightened and confused by your surroundings.”

She smiled against his chest, despite her tears.

“What is it?” he asked quietly, running his hand over her hair again. Despite the fact that she was literally in his arms, he couldn’t seem to stop touching her. It was like even with her right there, he wasn’t close enough.

“My mom calls me Em,” she admitted.

“Just what every man wants—to be reminded of a woman’s mother,” Ryker quipped. But his lips quirked as she laughed quietly against him.

“Let’s go back to sleep, all right?” she asked, swiping the tears from her face.

“Sure thing,” he said, pulling her into his arms as they laid back on the bed. He didn’t even think about letting go of her in that moment—it felt too right to have her nestled up against him. And she didn’t pull away—she clung to him like she needed him. Like she was his.

His chest swelled with male pride as she nestled even closer.

It was an odd feeling—normally he’d be proud of having made a woman come apart in his arms. Usually pride came from hearing her cry out his name or beg for more. Things weren’t exactly sexual between him and Emily though. Yes, she was beautiful, and they were clearly attracted to one another, but there was something more to it.

Ryker’s holding her was about seeing to her comfort and security. He wasn’t worried about turning her on or getting himself off—he was just plain concerned. About her.

He didn’t expect to enjoy the feeling of having a woman nestled in his arms with sex completely off the table, but there it was. The idea of not holding her didn’t even cross his mind.

Ryker closed his eyes, feeling Emily relax against him.

She had a slight floral scent, and he wondered if it was her soap or shampoo. Perfume maybe? She’d just gotten out of the hospital though. Would she really bother with something like that?

None of it mattered. It just felt right having her there in his arms.

Maybe it was only for a night or two, and maybe he wouldn’t see her again after things returned to normal, but in the meantime, he’d do whatever it took to make her feel safe again.

Chapter 16

Ryker began to stir the next morning, Emily still wrapped tightly in his arms. Her head was nestled on his chest like it was a pillow, and one of her legs was wrapped over his. She’d clung to him even in her sleep.

It was cuter than hell, but he was also hard as a rock. Her soft body nestled up against his, her breasts pressed up against his chest, had him imagining all sorts of scenarios between the sheets. Of him undressing her and kissing every inch of her bare skin.

And he couldn’t exactly let her wake up to find him this way. He was supposed to be watching out for her, not making love to her.

Making love.

What the hell was he thinking?

He had sex with a woman or fucked her. He didn’t make love to the woman he took into his bed.

Gently untangling himself so as not to wake her, he stood, his cock aching against the jeans he’d slept in. Jesus. He took care of business and then started the shower, relaxing a bit as the water poured down over him.

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