Page 38 of Damsel in Defense
“I believe you,” I repeat, firmer this time.I reach for her hand and thread our fingers together.“We’ll figure it out.I’m not going anywhere.”
“Are you sure?I wouldn’t blame you if you backed out of our agreement now.Ran for the hills.”
“I am, without a doubt, sure that I don’t want out.You’re not just an agreement to me, Victoria.You’re my friend.Hell, you may have even taken the top spot in my life.Whatever you’re going through, whatever happens, the only place I want to be is by your side.”
I see her eyes begin to tear up again, and I can’t have that.
“No.No more crying.I know you’ve had a hell of a night, but you need to rest.”
Her shoulders sag, and she lets out a tired laugh.“You’re not wrong.Let me grab my phone so I can look up hotels.”
“Victoria, don’t be ridiculous.You’re staying here,” I tell her, brushing a thumb across her cheek.“That’s not up for debate.”
She opens her mouth like she might argue, but she must read the look on my face because she just nods.
“Okay,” she whispers.
“Good.”I lean over and kiss her forehead.“I don’t want to sleep and dash on you, but I do have to head back to camp in the morning.Early.So I’ll say this now, and I don’t want any debate.”
She waits, a hesitant but curious anticipation on her face.
“Make yourself at home.I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again.You staying here will make me feel a hell of a lot better knowing you’re safe, so do whatever.”
She curls into me again, fitting perfectly under my arm, like this is where she was always meant to be.“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, sweet girl.Now.”I nudge her.“Let’s head to bed.”
Her hands grip the extra material of my shirt.“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she says quietly.
“You won’t be.”
I scoop her up, sliding my hands under her legs and coming to a stand.With her still wrapped tight, I walk slowly to my bedroom.
The shadows are soft and familiar as I make my way down the hallway.The city lights spill in just enough through the windows to see her clearly in my arms and to make out where I’m going.She blinks up at me, tired and vulnerable but still trying to keep it together.
In my bedroom, I let her body slowly slip down mine until she’s standing pressed against me.Brushing her hair off her face, I speak low, right against her temple.
“Let’s get you comfy, yeah?”I ask.“Only if you want me to.”
She gives the smallest nod.
Gently, I kiss her temple, silently telling her she’s safe with me.Her hands fall to her sides, fingers fidgeting, but she doesn’t stop me when I reach for the zipper of her jacket and slowly slide it off her shoulders.
Her eyes lock on mine as I move closer, checking for any hesitation.There is none.Her blue eyes are blazing with heat, urging me to keep going.
So I do.
Pulling her T-shirt up, inch by inch, I reveal smooth skin and the delicate line of her ribs.She raises her arms and lets me lift the fabric over her head, exposing a soft lilac bra that fits her like it was made to be seen.My breath stutters in my chest.
She shivers—not from cold.
“You’re beautiful,” I murmur, tracing my fingertips down her arms before reaching the waistband of her jeans.
She nods again.No words.Just trust.
I unbutton them slowly, letting the moment stretch, and then guide them down her legs.She steps out of them without a sound, now standing in nothing but her underwear and that whisper of a bra.
She’s temptation personified.All lush curve and innocent looks.I want her with a hunger I’ve never felt before.
