Page 16 of We Three Kings

The gruff sound of his voice growling my name gives me a twinge in unexpected places that I’ve never experienced before. When I look up at him, the twinge turns into an ache pooling between my legs.

“It’s hot. Let me take care of you.”

I’ve poured boiling water a thousand times and never once burned myself. But the sensation of him wanting to protect me overwhelms my need to be independent. The grin spreading on his handsome face proves I’ve pleased him, and I love that feeling too.

This enormous man bobbing tiny tea bags up and down is too funny, and I keep smiling as I grab milk from the refrigerator and sugar from the cabinet. “You’re my guest so you at least have to let me finish them for you.”

His head dips in approval, and he wraps his hand around the back of my neck, hauling me to him and kissing the top of my head, before sitting down at the table.

I stare at him longer than I should. Balthazar is all man. There’s no other way to describe him.

The wobbly chair looks ready to crumble under his weight although he seems unbothered. He spreads his thick legs wide, practically taking up half the room. His fingertips press against his thigh as if he’s mulling something over.

Embarrassing myself from studying him so closely, I focus on stirring our drinks. Shame burns my cheeks, and I blow out a low breath attempting to calm myself down.

“You’re adorable when you blush.”

Oh my god, the humiliation. I shake my head. “I…I was just noticing how tall you are.”

His head falls back, and he laughs. Hard. A long, deep humorous chuckle that immerses the apartment as well as my heart in pleasure. The joy steeps as rich and wonderful as our tea.

At least he’s not mad. I slide his mug to him and then hurry to sit in my seat across from him.

“It feels like a different world in here with you.”

The admission surprises me. His declaration sounds like a compliment with his tone, but I have to see his face to know for sure. I rally myself to be brave and peek up at him. When our eyes meet, he reaches across the table and caresses my cheek.

“That’s a good thing.”

Thank goodness. My body relaxes but I don’t pull away from his touch. The warmth of his rough skin makes me want to feel more. “I’m glad.”

When his thumb drags back and forth, I knowwhereI want to feel more, and I heat up all over again.

“But I think it’s just being with you.”

I have no words. There’s nothing intelligent I can say in return.

He winks and sits back. I miss his touch but feel awkward with my lack of response. Sipping from my mug gives me an excuse to be quiet.

He doesn’t seem to mind the silence. He takes a big swallow too yet keeps his gaze on me. After he sets down his cup, he reaches for me. A simple act of holding hands overwhelms me, and I almost can’t look at him until he speaks.

“I like your friends. They watch out for you.”

He’s right, they do. “I think they were just surprised you came to the game for me.”

“I get it.”

He licks his lips, and a darkness takes over his eyes as he caresses my fingers.

“They’ll get used to me. They’ll soon know that I’ll never do anything to hurt you.”

Despite how warm I am, tiny goosebumps lift on my arms. He intends to be around and convince them he’ll be good to me. The idea thrills me even though everything is too much too fast.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?”

Even faster. “Um…nothing really.”

“Good, then I can take you out. Anything you want to do. I’ll pick you up at eleven and we’ll go for lunch first.”

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