Page 118 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
His praise warms me from the inside out. I want to bask in this moment, to forget about the dangers waiting for us beyond this room.
I snuggle closer to Kade, feeling safe and warm in his powerful arms. His fingers trace gentle patterns on my skin, so different from his forceful dominance earlier.
"For the record," I say, my analytical mind finally recovering, "this doesn't mean I'll stop challenging you."
His lips curve slightly. "I'd be disappointed if you did, little hellcat." His tone is measured but there's warmth beneath it. "Your questions make us better. But when it comes to your safety—"
"That's different," I finish, understanding the distinction.
"Push those boundaries again," he murmurs, his hand tracing my spine, "and you'll find yourself right back where you were a few minutes ago."
The quiet promise in his voice sends a shiver through me that has nothing to do with fear.
I'm not sure that's the threat he thinks it is, but now is not the time to say it.
"I was so worried about you," Kade continues, his voice low and husky. "When I saw them carrying your limp body to that van..." He trails off, his arms tightening around me.
I look up at him, surprised by the raw emotion in his eyes. "I'm okay," I reassure him softly. "You found me. You saved me."
Kade's jaw clenches. "I'm supposed to protect you."
I can see the guilt and anger warring in his eyes. His arms tighten around me, as if he's afraid I'll disappear.
"Hey," I reach up to cup his cheek. "You can't control everything. Even the mighty Ghost has limits."
He captures my hand in his, pressing a kiss to my palm. The fury in his eyes has shifted, revealing a deeper emotion I can't quite name.
"I know. But seeing you in danger... it made me realize how much you mean to me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
His confession makes my heart ache. I understand the fear he must have felt, the helplessness of not knowing if he'd find me in time.
"Is that why you were so... intense earlier?"
Kade nods, looking slightly sheepish. "I needed to feel in control again. To feel you, to know you were really here and safe."
I tease him a little. "So you're admitting you're a control freak?"
He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Maybe a little."
I smile up at him. "Well, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. And for the record, I kind of like your controlling side."
Kade's eyes darken at my words. "Is that so, little journalist?"
I nod, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "You make me feel... safe. Protected. Even when you're being all domineering and bossy."
He leans down, his lips brushing against my ear. "I'll always protect you, Alina. I love you."
Kade's words hang in the air between us, making my entire body freeze. My heart hammers against my ribs so hard I swear he must hear it, and for a second, I can't even pull air into my lungs.
Holy shit. Did Kade Mercer, the fearsome Ghost, just tell me he loves me?
His eyes are already getting heavy, that post-adrenaline crash hitting him hard. He mumbles against my hair, "Just had to say it out loud. Don't make a big deal about it."
His arm tightens around me. "Go to sleep, hellcat."
thirty-five
Kade
