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She nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Shhh, it’s okay,” Lia said instantly, in a reassuring tone.

“It’s morning!”

“Yes. And?”

“I missed my run. I’m going to be late for—”

It hit her then like a ton of bricks.Suspended. No work today. Maybe not for a long time…A rush of emotion grabbed her by the throat, and tears stung the back of her eyes. Quinn covered her face with one arm.

“It’s okay,” Lia repeated as she, very gently, pulled her arm away. “Babe. It’s going to be fine.”

“Yes... Yes.” Quinn took a deep breath and blew it out. Then again. She placed her own hand on the one that Lia kept on her chest, right above her heart.

“Alright, baby?”

“Yes. Sorry—”

“Don’t be sorry.” Lia leaned in to press her lips over hers. “You woke up, and it hit you all over again?”

“Yes. That exactly. What time is it?”

“Eight o’clock. And yes, you did miss your run.”

“Why didn’t you shake me?”

“Because you didn’t hear the alarm, and you were sleeping like a rock. I figured you needed some rest, and I’d let you take it.” Lia caressed her cheek with the back of her folded knuckles. “Plus, I enjoyed watching you sleep. Watching over you and keeping you safe.”

No job-related stress would ever match the emotion Quinn felt rushing through her at these words.

“You know, I would never let a woman do this in the past.”

“I know that, yes.” Lia fixed her with a pensive smile. “You are the selfless kind who prefers to watch over others. The sort of cop who’ll always keep everyone safe, no matter what it may cost you.”

“You make me sound way more heroic than I am.”

“I don’t think so. I know you, Quinn.”

“Maybe I just didn’t like sleeping with strangers before,” Quinn attempted to tease. “Yeah, I’m a cop. You bet. I know how crazy even so-called sane, normal people can be.”

“You didn’t like to feel vulnerable,” Lia reflected. “I guess you still don’t, hmm?”

“That’s only partly true.”

chapter 7

Abandoning the banter, Quinn pushed up on an elbow so that they were eye to eye. She slid one hand behind the delicate curve of Lia’s neck and brought her gently close for another kiss.

“I like being vulnerable.”

Lia flashed a languid smile. “Do you really?”

“Yes. With you.”

“I like where this is going. Tell me more.”

“You are the only woman on earth who can get me to admit this, but…” Quinn moved into her arms when Lia opened them. She lay with her face against her breast, closed her eyes again, and held on tight. “I do like sleeping with you and knowing you watch over me. I don’t mind being helpless with you.”