Page 65 of Hunter

I was sure he saw me as nothing more than an unwanted guest.

He had to play my dark knight with rough armor, and I thanked him by commandeering half of his bed.

He probably wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible.

I knew I should be tougher than that and strive for my independence, but the thought of being here and making him say those words was enough to make me want to cry.

I shifted away from him, trying to get out from under his hold and out of bed, when he tightened his arms around me, sending a bolt of heat and electricity down my stomach andmuchfurther down.

Oh, God.

I turned back toward him, surprised to see his eyes open and clear. He hadn’t been asleep for a while, which was shocking, considering how early in the day it was.

“You’re awake,” I said in a whisper.

His lips twitched. “Have been for a while.”

“Uh… Then what are you doing, holding me while I sleep?”

He didn’t pull away like I thought he would. Instead, it seemed he might have tightened his arms around me marginally.

“I thought it was obvious.”

I angled my head to the side in question.

“Protecting you.”

Oh.

“Oh.”

He smiled.

That was kind of sweet. In a totally invasive way—of course—and I didn’t know how I was supposed to react to that.

Or to him.

And he was still holding onto me.

I looked down at his tan arm, coming to a stop on his huge hand settling on top of my stomach.

It was so big, he nearly covered me whole.

“What are we doing?” I asked.

“What do you want for us to be doing?” he asked, his eyes glinting in mischief.

I had been right the first time I’d seen him.

Xavier was trouble.

And judging by his eyes, he knew it too.

I couldn’t stop the blush that formed on my cheeks as my mouth opened, and nothing came out.

He laughed, and I couldn’t help but look at him, taking in the sight of him looking so carefree. The sound that was coming out was absolutely addictive.

He had a nice laugh.

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