Page 34 of Keeping Ava

Moreover, while our now is dangerous and her security is my main priority, the feel of her lips on mine changed everything.

She kissed me. Robbed me of my senses and caused me to break quite a few protocols while I was at it. I could lose my job because of that kiss, and I could care less. Fuck them all.

Nothing matters to me right now outside of putting Jason down like the dog he is and keeping her. He will pay for her tears. For the fear she’s lived with for years.

The sunlight filtering through the large floor-to-ceiling windows is bright, brighter than what’s normal for the start of my day, and I savor this. The peaceful moment.

Liking it.

Loving the way a certain brunette with soft lips murmurs my name in her sleep.

“Five more minutes, Eli. The gargoyles and unicorns can wait for their coffee.” Her nose presses against my throat, the small tufts of breath marking my skin as my cock throbs to full mast. I’m hard as fuck while holding in my laugh, a difficult predicament.

She’s warm and soft and delicate; my perfect fantasy is just within reach, and yet I do nothing more than enjoy this moment.

Think back to her kisses yesterday and how right she felt in my arms. How she let me dominate—hold her to my liking as I took my fill.

She’s something else. A surprise of mixed signals and lingering looks.

A we can’t but I need you puzzle that I’m putting back together again one piece at a time.

But first, we need to talk. She needs to decide if this is something she’s willing to try, because after tasting those lips and swallowing her moans, I want it all. No going back for me.

A small chuckle escapes me as the little thing tips her face in my direction, an unconscious act and with full-on duck lips. “We need to get up, sweetheart.” That dangerous mouth quirks up at the term of endearment. “Come on. I’ll start the coffee.”

“No.” Just like that and with sass.

“I’ll make strawberry French toast.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Just thirty more minutes,” she whines low, and I’m truly fucked with how adorable I find it. “Please?”

“You said five,” I remind her, and she nips my jawline.

“I lied.” Not an ounce of shame.

“You’re already up.” Even I can hear the amusement slip through my mock-stern facade.

“Too warm and comfortable. Just a little more, Eli.” And my resolve breaks just like that, slipping deeper into the couch as I reposition us so she’s comfortable and using me as a body pillow.

Ava lets out a low sigh as I do and a few seconds later, a light snore follows. Hers or mine—no clue because I’m letting go and letting sleep take me once more.

* * *

The next time I wake, I’m alone. And a bit cold.

I’m also hard as fuck beneath the confines of my sweatpants. There’s no mistaking the tent or my desire to be buried deep within her heat.

Where the hell is she?

The apartment is silent except for a low humming sound coming from the kitchen area, and I find myself throwing my legs over the couch at once to investigate. I know this perp, and not seeking her out is nearly impossible for me.

The culprit is tiny and sexy; a dangerous breed of perfection that’s turning my life on its axis.

However, the second I stand to my full height my body protests, aching from spending the night on the couch. Next time we sleep in my bed. Presumptuous, but I give no fucks.

---