Page 35 of Summoner of Sins

“Sophie.” He sounded as though he was begging, and he just might be. Because as much as he could be the strength, he needed her so much. Her body pressed to his was like being home for the first time in his life.

“I’m here,” she murmured back. “Right here and I’m not going anywhere.”

Neither was he. He lifted her long enough to settle her under the covers before he wrapped his body around hers.

In this moment he knew for certain, that he’d use every ounce of his strength to defeat Whitehouse and make Sophie’s world safe and happy. His fear was replaced with resolve. He was going to dismantle Whitehouse brick by brick. He’d begin tomorrow.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Sophie woke as the sun rose. She was in the protective circle of Max’s arms, his body wrapped securely around hers. It had been so long since she’d felt anything other than sustained. Now, she felt loved, protected, and cherished. She let out a sigh of contentment, not certain she ever wished to leave. His arms tightened around her as his nose buried into her hair.

“Good morning.” His deep baritone rumbled through her, and she mused to herself that he had the most wonderful voice.

She was glad he became increasingly free with how he spoke to her. “Good morning,” she smiled into the pillow. “Did you get any sleep?”

“Plenty,” he said, running a hand down her bare arm. “You?”

“Good,” she answered, burrowing deeper into him. She’d like to sleep like this every night, surrounded by his heat and strength. Her chemise had ridden up so that most of her legs were exposed. His hand slid under the covers and then down the skin of her leg, tickling down to her knee. She let out a small giggle, his matching rumble of laughter reverberating through her.

He kissed the spot on her neck, behind her ear, tingles cascading from the spot. Her breath caught even as he slid his hand back up to her hip, pressing her deeper into the cradle of his hips. His manhood nestled into the softness of her behind and she swirled her hips to rub against his hardness. She heard his rumbling growl of satisfaction as he moved his hand between her thighs.

“Sophie?” Abigail’s small voice called from the other room, floating through the open door.

With a small sigh, Sophie pushed up. “I’ll be right there.”

Max pushed up on his elbow and kissed the spot on her back between her shoulder blades. “Duty calls.”

“I’m sorry.” She twisted around to kiss his forehead. “It’s been a lot of new places lately. She’s feeling insecure.”

“Don’t be sorry,” he said, squeezing her again. “I love the way you take care of her.”

Her heart swelled to hear him say that. “Do you want to come?”

“Will she find it odd?”

“We can tell her that we’re marrying. I think she’ll be very excited to know we’re going to be a real family.”

“A real family,” he repeated and then, without warning, she was back on the mattress, his weight on top of her as he gave her a searing kiss.

He let her up just as quickly, pulling her from the bed, and holding her hand in his as they crossed the room together. He stopped to let her through the open door first. Abigail sat up in the bed, her legs crossed.

“Where’d you go?”

She smiled. “Max and I were chatting.”

“This early in the morning?”

Sophie laughed. “Yes. And guess what we’ve decided.”

“What?” Abigail’s eyes lit up.

“That Max and I should get married.”

Abigail was off the bed in a second, spinning around in an excited little dance. Then she stopped, cocking her head. “Can I get a doll?”

“Of course,” Max answered. “Every girl should have one.”

Abigail clapped again and then raced toward them. Clearly, Max had passed the test her four-year-old mind had concocted. Sophie caught her sister, lifted her into her arms, and hugged her close. Max wrapped his arms around them both, helping to support Abigail’s weight as he kissed the top of Sophie’s head.

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