Page 78 of Savage Reign

Maverick looked amused. “Just sleep.”

He laughed when I pouted as we got to the elevator. I looked around for Silas and Killian.

“Killian is making arrangements to ensure we won’t be interrupted tomorrow, and Silas is taking care of our bags,” Maverick said. “They’ll be up soon, but for now, it’s just you and me.”

I nodded, barely paying attention to all that went on around me just as the elevator closed on us. Somehow, Maverick managed to press the button for our floor with me still in his arms. I buried my face in his neck and kissed him there.

He tensed. “Mila.”

There was a warning in his voice that I ignored. “What?”

“Don’t act innocent with me, sweetheart.”

I kissed him again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You smell good.”

He always smelled good, like the outdoors mixed with warmth.

His arm tightened around me. “You’re testing my control. And you need your sleep.”

“I’m not that tired.”

“Those bags under your eyes would beg to differ.”

“Are you saying I look bad?” I asked, resisting the urge to hide my face back in his neck.

He shot me a look. “Sweetheart, you’re beautiful. You’re always beautiful, no matter what.”

A frown marred his face. “What?” I whispered.

“You seemed… more exhausted than normal.”

I tried to keep my expression neutral. “Just an exhausting week.”

“Because you were on your own,” he said as the elevator opened. He walked out into the dimly lit hallway. “Don’t worry. You won’t ever be alone again.”

“Sounds ominous.”

He smiled mildly. “I’m going to put you down now.”

I nodded mutely. He gently set me down until I was standing, keeping his arms around me for a moment to make sure I was steady before letting go. I missed his touch instantly. My hands balled into fists, and I fought against the urge to move back to him until we were touching once more. I must have made a small sound because he looked at me strangely as he unlocked the door to the darkened room.

He turned on the light and picked me back up in his arms. I let out a sigh of relief and melted into him, briefly taking in the large suite as he made his way to one of the doors. He pushed itopen with his foot and walked over to the bed, placing me on it. He pulled the blanket from the motel away, wrinkled his nose at the sight, and threw it somewhere in the corner.

I grabbed his arms when it looked like he was about to walk away. “Stay.”

I didn’t care anymore that saying it might make me vulnerable. I just didn’t fucking care.

“Please.”

“You never have to ask, little monster. Just let me get ready for bed real quick.”

I nodded and watched him walk away to the connected bathroom, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from saying anything else.

I listened as the water turned on, listened to the mundane sound of him getting ready, and then he was out, his hair and skin slightly damp and smelling like soap and toothpaste. He was shirtless, his tattoos on full display. My eyes focused on the Chicago skyscraper on his rib.

The boxer briefs he had on clung to his muscular form like a second skin, the bulge in them noticeable. I was both tired and turned on.

He shot me a knowing smile as he climbed into the bed, pulling me back into his arms as the blanket went over us.

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