Page 43 of Her Bossy Wolf Protector

Anxiety coils in my chest, making it hard to breathe. I need water, or something stronger, to calm my nerves.

Quietly slipping out of bed, I head toward the kitchen. The house is eerily still, amplifying the turmoil inside me. As I reach for the doorknob, it swings open, and there stands Gabriel, his hair tousled and clad in black pajama pants and nothing else. His muscular chest is on display, and if I weren’t smack in the middle of a panic attack, I would have appreciated the sight a little more.

“Everything okay?” His voice is soft, concern etched on his face. But I can’t hold it together any longer. Tears well up, and I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s been happening.

Before I know it, he’s drawing me into a tight embrace. I lean into him, and the dam breaks. Gentle sobs escape me as he holds me close. Unexpectedly, he lifts me effortlessly, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

Carrying me, he walks us back into his room. It’s an intimate gesture, but his warmth and solid presence are just what I need. He settles us on the edge of his bed, still holding me as I cry softly.

I feel vulnerable but strangely safe in his arms. His touch is comforting, his scent familiar. It’s a mix of pine and something undefinable, pulling me in and easing the storm raging inside me.

Still in his lap, face-to-face with my legs around him in a most compromising position, I try to regain my composure, wiping away my tears. “I don’t know what’s happening.”

Gabriel’s gaze meets mine. “Sometimes, the unknown can be terrifying,” he says softly. “But you’re not alone in this, Jade.”

I take a deep breath, attempting to steady my emotions. Being in his arms feels oddly right despite everything.

“Thank you,” I manage to whisper.

He brushes away a stray tear from my cheek with a feather-light touch. “Anytime,” he replies, a small smile on his lips. “Do you want to talk about it?”

I shake my head.

“Okay, Jade. What can I do? Tell me what you need.”

I stare at his lips. The way they are full and just begging to be kissed and sucked. The light streaming in through the window casts most of him in shadows, but what I can see is so damn alluring.

I swallow, afraid to admit what I know he knows by now. I want him. I want him badly.

His hand cups my cheek his thumb brushing over my lips.

I inhale sharply.

I see his eyes turn molten.

My tongue darts out to lick the pad of his thumb.

He groans. “We shouldn’t…”

I cock an eyebrow. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

We gravitate toward one another. I am not sure who between us is closing the distance, but we are mere inches apart, staring into each other’s eyes.

“Please, Gabriel.”

His gaze drifts to my lips.

“Fuck!” he groans.

My heart races, and a flush of heat colors my cheeks as his hand reaches for mine. His touch is so warm, it sends tingles of gooseflesh up my arm.

Then he moves, drawing me even closer, our breaths mingling. There is barely space between us. His scent and presence surround me.

His fingers brush against my cheek again. I can see the longing in his eyes. More tingles, a mix of nervousness and excitement fluttering in my stomach.

Without a word, I lean in, closing the gap. Our lips meet tentatively, a soft and gentle connection.

His kiss is tender, a cautious exploration at first. This is our first kiss, but it feels like so much more. Hunger and need flood through me.

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