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“Which side of the bed would you like?”

Drew still wore his jeans and flannel. A suspicious dark spot on his shoulder reminded me of my crying jag, and I frowned. “You don’t want to change first?”

“I’d hate to undo all your hard work.” He gestured toward my pajamas, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“I snotted all over your shirt. I don’t have anything else in your size, but surely you prefer not to sleep in it if it’s still damp?”

“There you go again, trying to seduce me.”

“If I were seducing you, believe me, you’d know,” I promised wryly.

Slowly, he reached for the button at his waist, flicking it open. My mouth went dry. He moved to the next button. I held my breath. Nimble fingers worked that button free, revealing a few inches of soft gray tee beneath his flannel. It wasn’t even skin, and I was panting like I’d spotted a cool lake in the desert.

He peeled the green flannel away from his shoulders, leaving him in just the tight tee shirt. My tears had soaked the fabric. He arched one brow, daring me to stop him, before reaching for his hem and rucking up the soft cotton, exposing firm abs. The air crackled with tension. He was daring me.

I’d spouted big words earlier about restraint. Turns out I had none. I dug my nails into my palms to keep from reaching for him.

He folded his discarded clothing neatly, setting it atop my dresser before turning back to me with an arched brow. “Jeans too?”

I swallowed. Acres of smooth tanned skin were already on display. Could I really handle more? I licked my lips, trying to restore moisture to my parched mouth.

“Maybe keep the jeans.”

My voice came out rustier than I intended. Drew pressed his teeth into his bottom lip, fighting back the grin threatening to break free.

I was admitting defeat, but I didn’t care. Pouncing on him after he’d already turned me down wouldn’t be a good look, even if he was teasing me now.

“Now which side of the bed do you prefer, honey?”

“It’s been so long since I shared that I’m used to the entire thing.”

His slow grin, growing to take up his entire face, lit a fresh fire in my belly.

“Good.”

“Me being a bed hog is good?”

His lip twitched. “If it means I get you all to myself, then yes.”

I slid into bed, tugging the covers tight around me. Drew flipped the light switch, and the bed dipped as he joined me. We lay there, letting the quiet take over. Slowly, my breathing became easier. I snaked one hand across the comforter, seeking Drew out. He shifted, gathering me into his arms until my head tucked beneath his chin.

As I settled, Owen’s threats kept circling. He wanted a connection on the island. To expand the family business. I’d done everything I could to shed my past. But it kept haunting me. How did I break free?

“I can hear you thinking. How can I help you sleep?” His soft question startled me, and I burrowed closer.

“Just tell me everything’s gonna be okay, even if it it’s a lie.”

He wrapped me more tightly in his arms. “Sunny Girl, I’m going to protect you. Anyone who wants to hurt you will have to go through me first. And not to brag, but I’m hella strong. My family is also connected as shit on this island.”

I let out a watery chuckle. “And so modest, too.”

“I’ve got you, honey. You’re safe with me. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”

He kept murmuring, repeating the words almost like a mantra as I faded into sleep.

A sliver of sun filtered through the gap in my shades, tickling at my closed lids. Judging from the angle of the sun, I’d overslept, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Drew was still wrapped around me protectively, his hand at my hip. Hisfingertips spread across my abdomen, sending trickles of heat radiating. His silent show of possession turned me on more than it ought to, all things considered. His breath puffed softly at my ear, steady and reassuring.

He grumbled softly, tugging me closer when I squirmed.