Page 8 of Watcher

“Nothing.” I spit. The thought of anyone laying a hand on this woman ignites a flame of rage. “They won’t be able to lay a hand on you, princess.”

“How can you be sure?” Her voice barely a whisper.

“Because I’m here, Avery.” The fire crackles beside us. “And they’ll have to go through me to get to you. Mark my words. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I lean down, inches from her face. “Not on my watch.”

She gazes up at me, gives a quick nod, and turns away. “I believe you.” Avery wipes a tear from her cheek in one swift motion, thinking I can’t see it—but I do.

ChapterSix

Avery

I hateto admit that I’m scared, but it’s true. The only thing keeping me from losing my fucking mind is the fact that Ethan is sworn to protect me. I’m no thug, but I wouldn’t want to mess with him. He looks like he lives in the gym, is well over six-foot, and has an intensity in his eyes that I’ve never seen in another man. When he said he wouldn’t let anything happen to me, I knew I could truly rely on him.

Though this pledge of allegiance has done nothing for my crush. Now, all I can think about is how much I want to touch him. To caress his face, run my hands up and down his muscular arms, and see what he’s packing underneath those destroyed jeans. They say a crisis can make people horny, and I swear I’m living proof.

But I’m sure the feeling isn’t mutual. He’s just doing his job. He calls me princess—a nickname that’s starting to grow on me. I wish I could show him I’m more than that.

“You alright over there?” Ethan’s voice echoes through the main room. We’re keeping it low-lit in case anyone’s secretly following us. It honestly only makes the entire situation more romantic. I could kick myself for saying this.

“Why do you ask?”

“You’ve been reading the same page for an hour.” He stokes the fire. The flames only emphasize how gorgeous Ethan is. His bone structure is only often found on runways or in plastic surgeons’ before and after books. It’s only his nose that seems out of place, betraying the fact that he’s rugged and has probably been involved in some serious shit.

“I’m having a hard time concentrating.” I close the book and set it on my lap.

“Don’t worry, Avery. I promise nothing will happen to you.” Oddly enough, that’s not what’s keeping me distracted; it’s Ethan. All I can picture is how fucking fit he probably looks naked. The idea of his weight holding me down, pleasing me until I come again and again…thatis why I’ve been reading the same damn page over and over.

“Thank you.” I let out a sigh and throw the blanket off of me. “There has to be something we can do to pass the time.” Like get naked and explore every inch of each other’s pleasure zones.

“There is.” He says, leaning forward, shifting to stand. “I saw a bunch of board games in the hall closet.” He hulks his way just out of sight, and I let out a well-held breath. Board games? Well, it’s better than nothing. Ethan comes back, the first smile I’ve seen on his face since meeting him. “Yahtzee?”

His smile is contagious, spreading straight to my lips. “Yahtzee’s good.”

***

“Yahtzee!” I cry for the third time this game, an unprecedented dose of beginner’s luck.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Ethan runs his hand through his thick hair, acting more annoyed by my high score than he actually is. “Are you sure you’re not lying?”

“No, I swear! I haven’t played this since I was little. You had to explain the rules to me.” I slap the table, defending myself.

He narrows his bright eyes. “Could’ve been a ruse.”

I sit back, crossing my arms over my chest, knowing it draws attention to my breasts. “It could’ve been, but it wasn’t.”

“Well, there’s no chance I can catch up.” He scoops up the dice and grabs the box.

“Wait, the game’s not over!”

A little laugh escapes him. God, he’s so fucking hot. “Yeah, for me, it is.”

“Sore loser.” I pout.

“Yep. I like to win.”

“Well, duh. Who doesn’t?”

“You’re probably used to winning anyway. I’m sure this small victory comes as no surprise.” This stops me dead, flipping a switch on my excitement. Ethan must realize he’s struck a nerve. He stops putting the game away and gives me his attention. “Did I say something wrong?”

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