Page 49 of Down Knot Out
A groan builds in my chest but never escapes my lips. The thought of spending the night beside Chloe in that queen-sized bed is everything I want and everything I fear. I’ve maintained control thus far, but my restraint has limits, especially when she’s finally opening up to me, allowing me to touch, to kiss.
“Chloe…” I search for words that won’t hurt her or come across as a rejection.
But she’s already moving, leaving the blanket behind as she crosses to me, her fingers finding mine. “Please, I don’t want to be alone.”
Her fear unravels my resolve. After everything that happened today with Simon, how can I deny her this comfort? How can I leave her alone in a strange room, no matter how beautiful?
“We can put a pillow between us.” Her thumb traces circles on my palm. “Or I can sleep on top of the covers and you underneath. But please don’t leave me.”
The irony of her trying to set boundaries for my sake, when I’m the one wrestling with the urge to pull her close and not let go, almost draws a laugh. But the raw honesty in her face strips the moment of humor, and I give in without a fight.
“Of course, I’ll stay.” I squeeze her hand. “If that’s what you need.”
The relief that washes over her face makes my choice worth whatever torture awaits me tonight.
Emily clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. “Bathroom is fully stocked.” She tips her head toward a door on the far wall. “Towels are in the cabinet, fresh soap in the dish, new toothbrush in the top drawer.”
“Thank you.” Chloe disappears into the bathroom, and the door closes with a soft click, leaving Emily and me alone in the bedroom.
“I’ll stay up,” Emily says without preamble, her voice pitched so it won’t carry through the bathroom door. “I’ll keep an eye out in case you were followed.”
The offer surprises me, though perhaps it shouldn’t. Emily has always been protective of those she considers under her care. Tonight, that includes Chloe, and by extension, me.
“You don’t have to do that?—”
She waves away my protest. “Got some work to catch up on, anyway. And I’m a light sleeper. Any car pulls up outside, I’ll hear it before the tires stop rolling.”
The reassurance settles the anxiety inside me. Despite my protective instincts, having another Alpha as backup, especially one as capable as Emily, eases my mind.
“Thank you,” I say, meaning it for more than just the offer to stand guard. For the meal, for the clean linens and scent blockers, for the sanctuary of this room when we needed it most.
“You’re welcome.” Emily turns to leave, but pauses at the threshold, peering back over hershoulder. “Night light’s in the drawer if she needs it.”
With that, she’s gone, her footsteps fading down the hallway.
I take a deep breath, trying to center myself before Chloe returns. The room is comfortable, but suddenly it’s too small, too intimate.
I want Chloe. I’ve wanted her since high school, but I don’t want her turning to me out of fear or a need for protection.
Tonight, I will lie beside her and keep my hands to myself. I’ll breathe in her scent and not bury my face in her neck. I’ll listen to her breathing slow into sleep and not wake her with kisses.
The bathroom door opens in a puff of steam and the scent of mint toothpaste. Chloe emerges, her face scrubbed clean, her pink hair damp at the temples. She’s changed into a sleep shirt that Emily must have set out, leaving her pale legs bare.
She gestures toward the bathroom. “Your turn.”
I rise, moving past her toward the door, every cell in my body aware of her proximity. As I pass, her hand catches mine, stopping me.
“Thank you.” She rises onto tiptoe to kiss my cheek, her soft lips lingering just long enough to quicken my pulse.
The touch sears through me, demanding more.It takes everything I have to continue into the bathroom without pulling her into my arms.
As I close the door, I catch a glimpse of her moving toward the bed, her hands already reaching for that chunky green blanket at the foot. The sight of her preparing to burrow into the bed where I will join her sends blood rushing south.
Tonight will be the sweetest torture.
Chapter Fourteen
Chloe
