Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
She didn’t pull away.
Sean fell asleep about ten minutes into the movie. He was sitting in the chair I normally used, so I was beside Skylar on the sofa. His head fell back, low snores coming from his mouth.
“It’s not that bad,” I muttered, kicking his foot. It wasn’t that great either, but the selection at the small Walmart in town hadn’t been stellar. He opened one eye and shrugged, getting up and going down the hall, no doubt for a nap.
I looked over at Skylar, smirking when I saw she, too, was fighting sleep. More than once, her head dipped lower, slowly sinking to her chest. As soon as it made contact, she would startle and pull her head back, only to start the whole process over again.
“You’re going to give yourself whiplash,” I murmured. “Lean your head back and rest.”
She smiled sleepily, tilting her head back and relaxing into the cushion. I kept watching the boring movie until movement caught my eye, and Skylar whimpered quietly, her hand reaching out, searching for something.
I turned, laying my hand on her arm, speaking quietly. “It’s okay, Kitten. You’re safe.”
Her brow furrowed, but she became silent again and her hand dropped. As soon as I moved my hand, the whimpering started back up, and her hand twitched. She kept shifting and frowning, and her soft, distressed sounds were bothering me. I leaned over and tugged on her arm, thinking I would wake her up. She turned, shocking me when she nuzzled into my chest, her arms folding against me. I gathered her close and shifted, bringing her with me so she was now in my lap. She didn’t stir, except to snuggle even closer, a low sigh escaping her lips. And then she was silent. Utterly still and silent, curled into my arms like she was meant to be there. Her head was tucked right under my chin, and unable to resist, I buried my nose into her silky hair and breathed in deeply. She smelled of crisp, cold air, snow, and outdoors. There was a faint scent of shampoo—something fruity—as well.
She smelled divine.
She felt so right nestled against me. Every feeling I’d been fighting, every tender thought of having to care for her, roared to life.
She was meant to be with me.
I frowned at the thought, yet the rightness of it was so simple. From the moment I saw her, I needed to care for her. I’d tried to be ambivalent toward her, telling Sean and myself I was only taking her with me to protect her, but the fact was, I was lying. It was so much more.
I wanted to care for and protect her. Be the person she needed.
I adored her smart mouth and feisty spirit.
I loved how she cheated at cards, made up games, and called me names.
What it all meant, and what happened when we left here, I didn’t know. But right now, I had her in my arms, and she was safe and warm and seemingly content.
Carefully, I pulled the blanket off the arm of the couch and draped it over her. I pushed the cushion behind my head and leaned back, making sure to hold her tight.
She needed to sleep, and I would watch over her and protect her from whatever upset her in her dreams.
I drew her closer, holding on a little tighter.
I woke up to the scent of dinner cooking and the room dark. Skylar was still sleeping against me. She couldn’t be closer unless she sank right into my skin. Her face was buried deep into the crook of my neck, her breath hot against my skin, and I felt the gentle push of her lips as she exhaled. One of her hands clutched my shirt, the other curled under her chin. I could feel her chest rising and falling, steady and even. I realized I had one arm wrapped around her and my free hand buried in her hair. I was nuzzling the thick tresses.
My legs were asleep, and I shifted carefully, not wanting to wake her. But she stirred, sighing, and I felt the heat of her lips pressed to my skin. A low groan rumbled through my chest, and I tightened my hand in her hair.
Her voice was a plaintive whisper. “Cian.”
I tilted her head up, ghosting my lips over her face. I traced her eyes, nose, cheeks, and, finally, her inviting mouth. We shared soft, light kisses.
Two.
Four.
More.
Then she moaned. A quiet, yearning sound in the back of her throat.
And like the flick of a switch, it changed.
I crushed her to me, needing her as close as possible. Our tongues met, sliding sensuously—tasting and learning. Over and again, I kissed her, losing myself. Nothing existed outside this girl in my arms. Nothing else mattered.
Until Sean’s shout from the kitchen.