Page 30 of Wild Hearts

“Our bed.” He nods, setting me down on the comforter. He grabs the hem of the T-shirt and lifts it up. “Lift.”

I raise my arms, letting him take the T-shirt off. He tosses the shirt onto the corner of the nightstand.

“There, it’s right there if you need it.” Mick leans in, kissing me deep.

He pulls away, lifting the corner of the comforter. He nods for me to slide in, so I do. Mick drops his briefs and slides into bed with me. He pulls me into him, skin on skin.

He brushes hair off my face. “I think tonight went well.”

“It did.” I bite my lip.

Mick reaches forward, pulling my lip free with his thumb. “That’s my lip to bite.”

“Who said?” I tease.

“I did.”

“Oh? Anything else I should know?”

Mick pushes me onto my back and slides on top of me, pinning me to the bed. I feel his hands toy with my hair. “There are a few things we should probably clear up.”

“Like?” I say breathlessly.

He leans forward and kisses me. “You’re mine.” Kiss. “I’m yours.” Kiss. “This bed is ours.” Kiss. “We’re giving this a shot.” Kiss. “Any objections?” Kiss.

I slide my legs along his hips, pulling him closer. I weave my fingers into the hair at the back of his neck. “You won’t hear me object.” I sigh, kissing him again.

“Good.” Kiss. “I want you.” Kiss. “I want us, and if I have to, I will fight for us.” Kiss.

“It might be too soon, Mick, but I think I love you.”

“Don’t worry baby girl, I know I love you.”

“You do?” I breathe out.

“I think I knew the moment you walked into your kitchen, hand on your pistol with dirt on your face and your hair looking like a mess. Then you opened your mouth, and I was a goner. You are a special woman. I’m just glad you’re willing to take a chance on a guy like me.”

“A guy like you? You don’t give yourself enough credit. I’m the lucky one. You’re incredibly sweet and caring. You make me feel like a movie star every time you look at me. Each word and each touch is deliberate. You don’t say what you don’t mean. More than that, you accept me for who I am. I couldn’t ask for more.”

“You deserve the world and more, Shane. I’m going to spend my life giving it to you.”

“Then I’ll spend my life sharing it with you.” I kiss him. “So where does this leave us? You have to leave soon.”

“I do,” he agrees. “As soon as this leg is done, I’m done. I’ll move here, if you’ll have me.”

I frown. “I can’t ask you to do that. To give up your career for me.”

“Baby girl, I was already retiring. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I was already getting out.”

“You were?”

He shakes his head. “I can’t believe we didn’t talk about this before. Yes, I’m at the end of my contract.”

“What about your family? I’m sure they want you to come home. Won’t they hate me if you move here instead?”

The thought of Nina hating me makes me feel nauseous. She’s become a pseudo-mother to me. Losing her would be like losing my mom all over again.

“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s ecstatic that we’re together. Did you see her tonight? She was already planning what she’s going to do with our children. Trust me, she will be happy.”

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