Page 79 of Infernal Hearts

I sniffle. “We found this basement full of samples. Samples from magical creatures. Blood, teeth, hair…everything. And then there was this wall of medical journals, one on each type of species. But someone knew magical creatures would end up there and set a trap. I tripped it, and you know the rest.”

“This was not your fault. You couldn’t have seen it coming.”

“I know, but I had a bad feeling about that place before we even walked in.” My voice breaks, but I pause so I can get my composure again. “I shouldn’t have trusted it. I should have been more careful.”

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“I think so.” I wipe my nose. “It’s a journal about incubi written by someone named Dr. Ambrose. I left it in the car, planning to read it tomorrow. I don’t think I have it in me tonight considering all that’s happened.”

“Tomorrow might be best.” He strokes the side of my arm. “For tonight, let’s just be grateful that everything worked out as well as it did. You got her here as fast as possible. It’s something I’m not supposed to do—give my opinion other than cold, hard facts—but I really do think things will be okay.”

A lump in my throat forms. “I could have lost her, Jay.” Tears stream down my face. “She’s all I have. I’m all alone.”

He leans forward, planting a kiss on my forehead. “Not tonight, you aren’t.” His voice is barely above a whisper, but it rocks me to my core. I’ve never been so moved by four simple words. He pulls back and strokes my cheek with his thumb.

“Thank you.” I lean forward to him and kiss his cheek. I’m still not sure where the boundaries are, but I don’t want to do something too forward and pressure him.

He exhales lightly at my touch. “I’m not trying to take advantage of you and your feelings, but seriously, you’re welcome to sleep in my bed with me tonight. If that makes you feel less alone.”

I laugh, my eyes still wet. “I’d like that.” I want someone close to me right now.

“Then let’s get to sleep.” He gently grabs my hand and leads me into the bedroom.

My heartbeat picks up speed—I can’t help it. The thought of him being in the same bed as me is everything I want right now. The warmth of having someone next to me…someone I care about.

We go into his room, him flicking on a small lamp, and I’m overwhelmed by the scent. It’s purely him—pine and that earthy Jay smell that surrounds me when he’s near. It’s intoxicating but gives me a feeling of being safe at the same time.

“I usually sleep on the right side.” He sits on the king-size bed, pulling off his shoes one at a time. “If that’s okay.”

I close the door behind us, making this room our own private world for the rest of the night. “That’s fine by me.” I unbutton my shirt one loop at a time before pulling off my shoes.

His shirt comes over his head. He’s not ripped, but he’s perfectly proportioned. I’m not even thinking about him sexually. I’m just admiring how incredible he looks right now, exactly as he is.

“How do you stay in such good shape when all you do is work?”

“A lot of pushups and crunches between reading. I go running in the early mornings when I can’t sleep.”

“It’s working for you.” I drop my shirt on the floor and unbuckle my pants.

We’ve already had sex, but something about this is more intimate. He’s seen me at my worst but still hasn’t pushed me away. We’re here, vulnerable, without the need to scramble and touch each other. It’s strange. I’ve never felt nervous like this in front of someone.

He pulls off his jeans one leg at a time, leaving him standing there in black boxer briefs. His milky skin is tantalizing. He looks so soft, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be here with him.

I pile my dress pants on top of my shirt and pull the down comforter down, sliding into his bed. This is a massive upgrade from the bed I’ve been using. The sheets are smooth, and the mattress is like a cloud. I could get lost in this bed forever and not be mad about it.

He slides in beside me, reaching over and turning out the light.

We lay there in silence for a moment, but the loneliness takes me over again. “Jay?” I’m hesitant to push it, but it’s worth trying. “Do you think you could hold me until I fall asleep?”

He’s quiet in the darkness but finally answers. “Of course.”

His body scoots closer to mine, his arm draping over my waist. I turn onto my side, tucking my arm under my pillow, and rest my free hand on his. I rub it gently, entwining our fingers.

I fill my lungs and empty them completely, really trying to commit this feeling to memory. The safety of him being here like this. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He kisses the back of my neck, sending shivers into my chest.

I don’t know how long I take to savor this moment. Minutes? An hour? But I never want it to end. This is everything I’ve needed for so long.

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