Page 51 of Savage Protector

“You think not?” That bloody eyebrow is raised again. If the wind changes, he’ll be stuck that way.

“I’ll use the settee,” I offer, eying the rather diminutive piece of furniture.

“You’ll do your back in. I already told you; the bed is big enough for both of us.”

“It’s not…not right.” I sound just like my mother.

“Whatever, that’s how it’s going to be. No settee.”

“You can’t just?—”

“Watch me.” He picks up his cup, takes an experimental sip, and saunters around the bed to the other side where the deposits the drink. “You don’t snore, do you?”

“Of course not.” I pull the duvet up to my chin. Maybe if he stays in his half and I stay in mine…

“Good.” He drops the damp towel on the carpet and climbs in beside me.

I’m horrified. Lost for words.

“You’re not wearing anything,” I manage to squeak.

“Nope. I prefer to sleep naked.” He leans over to pick up his cup. “You should try it.”

“No chance.” Actually, I do at home. When I’m alone.

“Switch the light off, when you’re ready.” He turns over so his back is to me. “Sleep well.”

Out of better options, I remain where I am, primly clutching the bedclothes like some sort of shield and trying not to move a muscle. After a few minutes, his breathing becomes regular, slow. The arrogant oaf is asleep.

Eventually, I venture to switch off the lamp and lie down, leaving the best part of three feet between us. I’m balancing on the very edge of the bed, but it’s better than risking contact with him. I’ll never be able to relax enough to get any sleep, but I suppose I’ll have to do my best.

I’m wrong. In no time at all, it seems, I’m out like a light. When I wake up, it’s still dark, and I’m snuggled up to something warm. No, not warm. Hot.

I slide in closer, stretch out my legs. It’s comfortable, cosy, and I have no trouble closing my eyes again to settle in for another few hours.

“If you don’t stop wriggling, I’ll forget all my good resolutions.”

The low rumble of a male voice brings me awake sharply.What the…?

“Leila, keep still, if you can. Not that I’m complaining, exactly.” My warm, cosy cushion moves in my arms, and I’m treated to the unmistakable bulge of his erection pressing against my thigh.

I try to jerk away, but it’s no good. His arms are around me, and they do feel rather good. “Let me go,” I protest. “You promised.”

“So did you,may-ri-jaan,but here we are.”

“What are you talking about? You were supposed to stay in your bit. And keep your hands to yourself.”

“So were you, but I guess you forgot.”

I manage to extricate myself and lean up on my elbow. “What…? How…?” He’s still pretty much where he was, and I’ve shuffled right over to his half of the bed. “How did you manage that?” I demand, indignant.

“Lie down, Leila. It’s still the middle of the night.”

“This is never going to work.” I sit upright. “I still think the settee?—”

“I’ll burn that fucking settee on the front lawn if you mention it again. Now, lie down and go back to sleep.”

I do as he says, carefully rearranging myself to the far edge of the divan. Maybe I should put a pillow barrier up, just to make sure.

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