Page 59 of Puma's Pride

“I’m ok staying here for now, but yeah, I will want to move back into my condo.” She says. We’re in the common room and I can see Trouble and Puma sitting at the bar. “But whatever we do, I won’t keep Mal away from Puma.”

I smile as we make our way over to the men.

“How are they?” Puma asks, shifting over to make room for us.

“Sleeping.” I say. “Thanks for putting Max outside their rooms.”

“He volunteered. I thought it was a good idea.” Puma says. “You want something?”

“Whiskey, neat.” I tell Smooth who’s working the bar.

“Same.” Corinne says.

I glance around the room and spot Detective Sterling sitting at a table with Showtime. I turn back to Puma. “Why is he still here?” I ask him. “I thought they called off the search.”

Puma smirks as he glances over. “I think he’s hoping to frisk somebody, or have her frisk him.”

Trouble snorts as Corinne and I whip our heads around to study the couple. I grin when I spot the look on the detective’s face. He looks like Showtime shot him with a taser.

“How’s that going to work?” Corinne asks.

Puma shrugs. “No idea.” The crease between his eyebrows tells me he’s considering the ramifications. I don’t know if he’s afraid of losing Showtime or gaining a cop.

“I need to head out.” Trouble says, getting up after polishing off his beer. He leans down and lays a kiss on Corinne, that has her panting when he breaks off. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the art show.” He says, and I see Corinne perk up.

“You’re going?”

“Of course. My club is helping with security.” He says. He waves goodbye to Puma and me before heading out the door.

“I’m off to bed. I just hope I can sleep.” Corinne says as she steps down from the stool. Puma and I follow her lead. She looks at me. “Would I cause a problem if I gave Puma a hug?” She asks me.

I smile. “Of course not.”

“I don’t get a say?” Puma asks with a grin, letting Corinne know he’s teasing.

“No.” We both say together and laugh. Corinne leans into Puma as he puts his arms around her and squeezes her tight.

“Thank you.” She says as she breaks off.

“For what?” Puma asks.

“For protecting Mal and me. For opening your home to us. You welcomed both of us. I knew you’d accept Mal, but I always worried if you’d forgive me once you found out about him.”

“I can’t say that I’m not sad that I missed out on so much of his life, but I don’t blame you. I’m just happy we’re all together now.” Puma says. “Don’t look so worried. I know you’ll want to go back to your condo. But this is your home, too.”

She thanks him and moves to her room.

I let Puma sweep me up into his arms to carry me to our room. I need to feel him and being in his arms is the one place I know I’m safe.

Once inside, he sits me on the edge of the bed and carefully removes my clothes before he strips. “Think you’ll be able to sleep?” He asks, and I shrug.

“I think so. I’m tired, but I can’t seem to settle.” I admit.

“I know an excellent muscle relaxer.” He says with a sexy grin.

“Oh yeah? Prescription or over the counter?” I ask with a smirk.

“Definitely prescription only. Can’t be handing these out to just anybody.” He pushes me up further onto the bed so he can crawl between my legs.

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