Page 76 of Protected from Malice
“Yes. I accept that.”
“But Eden. I’m not the white knight you deserve. I have blood on my hands. I do things?—”
“Rafe.” Turning, she straddles my lap. “When did I say I wanted a white knight?”
“You deserve one.”
“What if that’s not what I want? What if I want a man just like you?”
The spark of hope turns to a flame.
“Do you?”
Eden’s lips quirk. “Ah, Rafe. Don’t you know?”
I frame her face with my hands. “I think I do.”
“I don’t want a white knight,” she says firmly. “I want you. Brave, honorable—and yes, youare—smart, kind… You’re perfect as you are, Rafe. That’s what I want.You’rewhat I want.”
My heart lifts.
Then I lower my mouth to hers.
Tasting. Stroking. Capturing.
Eden twines her arms around my neck and kisses me hard.
Her hair brushes my face, soft and sweetly fragrant. Her nails lightly scratch the back of my neck. Her breasts press against my chest.
My body is right there with her. But my brain is slow to catch up. Slow to accept the gift she’s giving me.
When we finally break apart, I have to ask, “Are you sure, Eden? If you think about things and change your mind, I’llunderstand. We can just be friends again. Or whatever you want.”
“I won’t change my mind.” A beat. Then her cheeks go pink. “I’ve wanted you since the first time Indy brought you for a visit. Nothing’s changed. I promise.”
“I’ve wanted you, too, Brain. Ever since that first time.”
Eden stares at me for a second. Then she snuggles against me, notching her head under my chin. “Okay, then.” Her lips curve against my neck. “So, can we tell Indy now?”
Right. On to the next part. Telling my best friend that I’m with his little sister.
“Yes.” I close my eyes as I press a kiss to the top of her head. “We’ll tell Indy. We’ll tell everyone.”
CHAPTER 13
EDEN
I can’t believeyou and Rafe finally got together!
Before I can respond to Zada’s text another message appears.
It only took what, ten years of me nagging you to do something about it?
Three dots blink for a second.
But seriously, I’m so happy for you.
I grin at the phone as I type my response.
