Page 83 of Fortune's Control
“Never forget I made this happen,” Aiden said.
Jack and Dean shushed him, and we all quieted
Shane leaned forward to remove his prosthetic.
“Is your leg bothering you?”
“It’s a little tired, nothing unusual.”
Warmth filled me. I snuggled against him and took a bite of my chocolate and peanut butter pie.
“Our night isn’t over yet,” Shane whispered. He dropped an arm over my shoulder, drawing me even closer. “Thank you.”
His expression stopped me from asking what for as his soft smile and relaxed features already answered the question.
The blooming warmth inside me spread, bringing contentment and joy the longer I watched him. It was an odd feeling, both soft and intense, and one I recognized.
28-Lilah
“You’re sexy.”
My forehead wrinkled as I stared down at myself. “It’s one of your old shirts.” Stealing Shane’s clothes was my newest hobby. “I also just finished brushing my hair.” The tight curls around my forehead always went crazy after I brushed them.
“Even sexier.”
Shane stripped down to his boxer briefs. I licked my lips, appreciating the view.
After our friends left, we cleaned the kitchen again and turned off the lights. Their unexpected appearance waylaid our relaxing evening together, but I didn’t mind. We ended up having a different kind of fun, and now he was here with me, clad in boxer briefs.
He sat on the bed, with his back towards me, and stretched, allowing me to appreciate every line and sinew. I wrapped my arms around him and nuzzled into the space where his back and shoulders met. Shane’s warmth seeped into me as I indulged in the hard feel of his skin against mine.
“Long day?” he asked. Shane kneaded the muscles in his left thigh, pressing his thumbs into his skin with careful movements.
“Long, but worth it.” I watched him for a moment. “Is your leg bothering you?”
“No more than usual. It gets tired at night. My prosthetist warned me about pushing myself too hard, and I don’t always listen as well as I should.”
“I’m shocked to hear that.”
His kneading stopped. Shane twisted so we faced each other. “Your sarcasm deserves an award. Also, I listen verywell; the problem is I don’t give people the response they hope for. For example, you brought up my leg.” His grin undercut the sharpness of his words.
“Out of concern.”
“Duly noted. However, we’ll now talk about your questions from earlier today instead of my leg. Do you see what I did there?” Shane made a circular motion with his index finger. “Those are more important, so tell me about them.”
“Wilson Skane didn’t kill his ex-girlfriend. I don’t care if there were other witnesses or evidence. He didn’t confess, and even if he did, I wouldn’t believe that either. I’m not saying this because someone tried to run me over.”
Shane’s features softened with concern. He leaned against the headboard and tapped his chest. “Come here.”
I curled against him as his comforting arms enveloped me. “Did you know this position always makes it better?”
He hummed a gentle laugh. “Funny, because I could say the same. Do you think the detectives are framing Wilson Skane?”
Detective Davis’s concern was genuine. He made a point of checking on me several times after the murder. His partner was an old-fashioned jerk. “No, they’re eager to close a case, and my uncertainty gets in the way. The thing is, ever since their visit, I’ve been more sure.”
“Well, that makes sense. If the man in that car doesn’t look like him, then it should be obvious, even to them.”
“That’s not it. It’s not the picture or the attack.”
