I couldn’t look at him. “Be careful today.” I started to walk past him toward the bathroom.
He grabbed my arm and spun me back to face him. “I’m not angry.”
My sternum wobbled. “Upset? Disgusted? Wishing you would’ve left me in that field by the dark wood the morning we first met instead of waking me up? I’d probably be demon food by now.”
“Sweetheart, look at me.”
There was that endearment again. One that had me obeying him even though I felt like a fragile little thing about to break. My eyes had adjusted to the darkness enough for me to make out his features. His rugged handsomeness still took my breath away. A sharp jawline perfect for pecking kisses against, a heavy brow, and a smoldering gaze that made me weak in the knees no matter how many times I’d looked at him.
“The only thing that upsets me about last night is you not being in my arms while I slept,” he said. “I allowed the wolf to have you to himself, for I knew it was his first time and he didn’t need an audience. But I’m not upset that you bedded him.”
“Really?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“No. Well, I don’t think so.” I burrowed closer, the need to hold him outweighing everything else. “Unless you actually hate my muffins and only say you do to make me happy.”
He softly chuckled and pushed his face into my hair. “I have to head out. But I’m not leaving until I see you smile.”
“Hard to see that in the dark.”
“I can see you just fine.” Maddox drew back and smoothed his thumb over my lips. “Will you deny my request, muffin lord?”
I smiled, unable to resist him. I felt lighter now too. As Briar had said, every relationship was different. Ours was new for all four of us. It would take time to find our groove and figure everything out. That’s why communication was so important.
“The demi-bear will be here today, yes?”
“Yep,” I answered. “Miles said he’d be here first thing. Hopefully nottooearly. I need a bath.”
Maddox groaned under his breath. It was such a sexy sound. “If I didn’t need to be at the castle, I’d strip off this armor and bathe with you.”
“We can always do that later when you get home,” I said, my heart flip-flopping in my chest. “I don’t know if you’re aware or not, but I’m kind of clumsy. I’m sure to spill something on myself or fall in the mud. Maybe even topple into a bowl of cupcake batter. I’ll most definitely need another bath.”
Maddox touched my lips again. “If not, I know a way to dirty you up.” He brought me flush to his chest and placed his mouth at my ear. “Take care of my heart today. I’m leaving it with you.”
I melted at the words. “And you take care of mine.”
He took my face in his hands and kissed me so good my head spun. Then, I watched him continue down the hall, butterflies swarming my belly. They fluttered faster as he reached the stairs and turned to look at me over his shoulder. He didn’t say a word, but his expression said it all: he loved me.
I loved him too. More and more with each passing day.
After bathing, I wrapped a towel around my hips and crept into my room for some clothes. I tried to be quiet, but I was… well, me. My foot caught on the desk chair, and I faceplanted on the floor.
“Evan?” Briar sat up in bed and snatched his glasses from the nightstand, putting them on. “Are you hurt?”
“Nope. I’m good.” Shaking my head at myself, I peeled myself off the floor and readjusted my towel. “Sorry for waking you.”
“Come here. Let me take a look.” Briar slipped out of bed and took me in his arms, his gaze raking over me. It was lighter outside the window now, so I could see him fairly well. He knelt in front of me and examined my knee. “You scraped it. But it’s nothing I can’t fix.”
Golden light came from his palm as he placed it over my kneecap. The scrape hadn’t hurt too bad, but the slight sting eased as he healed it.
“Thanks, Doc.” I entwined our fingers as he stood. The bedroom door opened wider, and I turned to look.
“I heard a thump and smelled your blood,” Lake said, stepping across the threshold. His pants weren’t fastened, like he’d tugged them on in a hurry. “Are you okay?”
“You smelled that little drop of blood?” I asked, amazed. “All the way from the other room?”
“Yes.”
