Page 65 of Tabitha

When her tiny hands slide along my sides, I shuffle even closer until I’m pressed snuggly against her. I hunch over her slim form, dragging her even tighter against me, so nothing and no one can get to her. Her arms are stiff, her body braced like she’s expecting an attack, and I want to go back in time and kick myself for being such an asshole when we first met.

I give her a moment to adjust, my heart still feeling like it’s being torn from my chest. Pressing my cheek lightly against the top of her head, I give her a little nudge. “Now lay your head against my chest and put your ear close until you can hear my heartbeat.”

She moves slowly, ready to pull away at the smallest shift in my muscles, like she expects me to hurt her, and it’s all I can do not to tighten my grip and promise that I’ll never let her go.

No one should ever be treated that way, especially someone like the girl in my arms.

No wonder she’s so fucking awkward and cold around others.

It’s not until she gingerly rests her head against my chest, burrowing closer, that I’m able to release the breath trapped in my lungs, and the vise-like pressure that has a stranglehold on my chest finally eases.

After a minute, she relaxes against me, and the knots in my gut slowly unwind. Giving into temptation, I kiss the top of her head.

Tabitha stiffens, then tips her head back and scowls at me. “That wasn’t my reward, right?”

I chuckle at her dubious expression and shake my head. “You gave me more than I asked for, so I need to figure out something more than a kiss. What is your favorite food?”

Something dark sparks in her silver eyes until they seem to swirl. “Chocolate.”

The way she breathes that one word with such reverence, her tone carrying so much lust, that my cock stiffens and throbs. And I realize that I want her to look at me like that. I clear my throat, then nod. “When I’m done with the bunker, I’ll make you some chocolate.”

Her eyes actually dilate, her nails digging into my spine. “You’ll make me chocolate?”

I suspect, if I don’t answer correctly, she actually might gut me.

“Yes. Anytime you feel sad or overwhelmed or just don’t want to be alone, find me. I’ll make you whatever chocolate you want and give you a hug.” I silently vow then and there to figure out a way to get her chocolate for the rest of her life, if that’s what she wants.

She deserves to be spoiled and pampered, and I’m determined to be the one to do it.

“After the bunker.” She narrows her eyes, danger making her eyes glitter, like she suspects I’m trying to trick her.

“I promise. As soon as we clear the bunker.” I smile down at her, secretly thrilled that she’s completely forgotten that she’s touching me, too engrossed in her chocolate obsession. Taking advantage of it, I bend and scoop her up behind the knees.

She stiffens, almost like she’s going to wiggle out of my hold, and I tighten my arms. “I’m going to take you up to Bast, where you can get some rest.”

Before she can protest, I continue, “And so I know where to find you when I finish with the chocolate.”

She stills, like I just threatened her life, and I have to bite back a grin. Though she remains stiff, she allows me to carry her up the stairs, all the way into Bast’s room.

“I’m not sleepy.” She pouts, sulking like a cute little toddler who doesn’t want to take a nap.

I rest my chin on top of her head, unsure if she’s even aware of pressing her ear back against my chest, listening to my heartbeat as her eyelids droop. “I know. Just a nap.”

The room is dark, Bast already stretched out on the mattress. Though he remains still, his eyes crack open as I approach. I gently lay Tabitha next to him, not surprised when he pulls her close, drapes her over his chest, and wraps her up in his arms. Virtually unconscious, she wiggles around until her head rests against his heart and then promptly falls asleep.

I gaze down at them for a moment, struggling to resist the urge to crawl in after them. The only thing that stops me is knowing Banks is after her. He won’t stop until we find what he wants. No matter what happens, I’m determined to do whatever it takes to protect her.

If Banks even thinks of harming her, I’ll kill him before he gets a chance.

Chapter Twenty

TABITHA

The smell of chocolate wakes me from the first solid sleep I can remember. I’m sitting up, sniffing the air before I can even pry my eyes open.

When I finally do, I find a cup hovering just inches away, filled with something so delicious, my mouth waters from the steam. It’s not just hot chocolate, but pure ambrosia fit for the gods. I shift until I’m up on my knees, reaching for the warm mug, a moan of lust escaping me even before the first taste hits my tongue.

I don’t even care that I burn my mouth as I gulp half the cup in just one go.

---