Page 29 of Make You Mine

Truths I ignore while coaxing her into fully relaxing. I’m running my hand up and down her back in soothing strokes, placing tiny kisses across her forehead and taking her decadent scent into my lungs. She smells like my favorite dessert: raspberry crème brulé. It’s caramelized sugar with vanilla custard and a touch of brightness in the raspberry that’s simply perfection on her. Mouthwatering.

I also feel a hundred feet tall when she trusts that I’ll protect her.

My heart thumps harshly inside my chest when she asks me to stay until she’s asleep. It doesn’t take her body long to give in to the exhaustion, melting into my comfort, but I make one more promise before she’s completely under.

The words are honest. I don’t regret them, either.

Much like she took care of me earlier today when I napped on the couch, the feel of her soft lips pulling me awake without her noticing, I’ll watch over her. I’m giving her a piece of me, even if I know we’ll never have more than this. Ava Perry will always have my loyalty.

Without trying, in a short amount of time, she’s burrowed herself under my skin.

I’m constantly thinking of her. Wanting her close.

“Sleep knowing I’ll watch over your dreams. I protect what’s mine.”

11

AVA

I’ve become the master ofevasion…

My life. The case. Wanting Elijah.

Just like I’m currently ignoring the news report filtering through the living room and into the bathroom, where I decide to change my playlist from a soothing jazz one to current hits. Volume up, I begin humming to the beat while turning the hot water on to almost scalding just in case they decide to discuss Jason and the case against him. Because since his arrest, I’ve heard it all, and at this point, I’d rather ignore than confront the conflicting emotions simmering within.

What journalists have pieced together since his arrest hasn’t changed much. Authorities aren’t releasing more than where he met the woman still recovering, the ties to other murders, andme.

However, with each day that passes my ire builds. Fiery licks across my nervous system without provocation, and it’s no one’s fault but the monster still on the run.

I’m angry. Sad. Feel guilty because of my attraction to the man keeping me safe.

“Not now, Ava. You need this.” Taking in a deep breath, I bring his masculine scent into my lungs and hold it there for a few seconds, letting it wash away my doubts. I need this reprieve from the torture because Elijah Ford is embedded into every inch of his home…

Sandalwood, mint, and a touch of sea salt.

It surrounds me. Haunts me. Invades my senses.

Branding my DNA with his mark, I’ve become addicted to this unique blend, looking for ways to fill my needs without openly seeking him out. Right now is a prime example of my weakness: I’m inside the hall bathroom doing something I shouldn’t.

It’s been a week since I caught Elijah unaware and napping on the couch—since he comforted me after a nightmare—and he’s completely ignorant of my newly acquired creep-like tendencies.

One, I interact while not giving anything away and avoid all topics that cause me stress.

Two, I only admire him when he’s unaware or busy.

Three, I find any excuse to escape if either point is tested.

Moreover, in those seven days, I’ve become a prisoner of my feelings and wants.

I’m insane for even contemplating anything past my survival at this moment; that’s where my focus should be, and yet it isn’t. Instead, it’s onhim.

And maybe it’s because of the crazy, horror-filled ride I’m on that I cling to him, but stopping isn’t an option. He’s both a comfort and solace. Something I can hold onto, even if it is in secret and behind these four walls that I let go.

I need this release. It’s the only way.

Stepping inside the large, walk-in shower, I stand beneath the waterfall feature and let the hot water soothe my achinglimbs. I’m tense, my body strung tight, and I reach for the bottle of his shower gel he left in here two nights ago.

Why? I have no clue.

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