Page 159 of Hot for Hostage

But when Davian pulled me with him as he rolled over, and we caught our breath, I couldn’t seem to stop myself from blurting them out.

“It might be the reverse Stockholm syndrome talking, but… I think I’m falling in love with you,” I confessed quietly before wincing. “Sorry. That sounds absolutely wild, given the circumstances…”

Davian had gone still against me, and the words died on my lips. Embarrassment washed over me. It was the longest moment of my life, before I risked a glance up at him to see a slow smile forming.

Leaning forward, he kissed my forehead and murmured against it, “Join the club, sweetheart.”

My mouth opened and closed like a fish before I could form words. “…Really? But—But we haven’t even been on a real date yet. We hardly know each other.”

I wasn’t sure why I’d decided to play devil’s advocate, but luckily, Davian didn’t agree.

“We’ve been through a few hostage situations together, and you already know me better than most people I’ve known for years. I’ve learned plenty about you, too.” He pulled back, and one of his brows rose, but his hand didn’t stray from my lower back. “You’ve got a heart of gold. You like swimming and icecream and baking and dogs. You’re disgustingly sweet—when you don’t think I’m engaged, of course—and you’re loyal as hell to those you care about. I saw it with Bear, Mr. Sanders, Gladys. The list goes on.”

Normally, Davian saying such glowing praise would make me melt into a puddle at his feet like Bear did when he wanted belly rubs. But my brain snagged on one tiny detail, and I scrunched my nose. “‘Disgustingly’ sweet?”

“Painfully so.” Davian nodded with a solemn face. “It’s giving me cavities.”

That earned an eye roll, but nothing could dampen my smile. I was too happy. “Well, don’t you say the nicest things.”

He flashed a devilish grin. “Sweetheart, you didn’t take me hostage because I’mnice.”

I huffed a laugh, but he had a point.

And I’d gotten to know him, too. Davian was protective. Driven. He might seem a little dangerous and murdery on the outside, but he had a softer center that did things like hold Bear’s leash and pretend dog treats tasted good just because he thought I’d baked them for him.

And there was definitely no denying our physical compatibility—I blushed just thinking about it.

Maybe the scary things we’d been through together were a blessing in disguise. They’d bound us in a way I hadn’t considered, and I felt closer to Davian than to people I’d known my entire life.

I might not know his hobbies or how he liked his eggs cooked or what was on his bucket list, but it’d be fun to learn all that stuff.

Reassured, I burrowed even closer to him, and Davian’s voice was teasing when he whispered into my ear. “It doesn’t hurt that you’re a firecracker in bed, either.”

I burst into laughter and poked his stomach. “We haven’t even done it in a bed yet!”

He responded by nibbling on my ear in a delightfully arousing way, while rolling us across the dog beds until I was on top and straddling him.

“Eh, beds are overrated. Lumpy dog pillows on dirty shelter floors, on the other hand?” He growled playfully as his hands slid down to squeeze my ass. “They’ve grown on me.”

My answering squeal was cut off by his kiss, but I wasn’t complaining.

They’d grown on me, too.

two conditions

. . .

Sadie

Sadie’s Guide toHostage-TakingBeing Taken HostageForming a Partnership with Your HostageEmbracing the Hostage LifestyleNot Freaking OutEscapingBeing Taken Hostage (Again)Falling for Your Hostage, Tip #39: If you play your cards right, you might never have to let your hostage go.

Despite Davian’s newfound enthusiasm for lumpy dog beds, we didnothave sex on the dirty shelter floor a second time after I remembered there were now security cameras in the lobby—even after he assured me he’d take care of the footage. I was bound to achieve my goal to stop jumping him in public one of these days.

But we did snuggle and trade kisses until my heart was so full I thought it might burst.

There may have been some tasteful grinding, too.

I blamed the horny demon.

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