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“Okay.”
Leaning closer, he whispered, “I’d love you to soak the sheets with tears, sweat, and cum every time we fuck.”
She reddened even more. “Noah!”
He kissed her shocked mouth and started losing himself again in her bone-deep sweetness. Hell, he needed to dial it down a notch before he lost it completely.
And yet… “Are you happy?” he asked before he could stop himself.
Her hand curled against his chest and she sighed. “Yes.” A simple answer that tore at his insides and left him reeling.
“Good. Go to sleep before I get you to spend another hour proving it.”
Long after she’d settled into sleep, he lay wide-awake, his arms around her, listening to her breathe. He pondered how very quickly she’d shot up to the top of everything that was important to him.
And how very determined he was to keep her there.
36
Warren regarded his unexpected visitor from across the wide stone coffee table in his living room.
The early hour meant he’d been caught mid-spar session in the underground gym of his property. Although sparring was a misnomer today because his usual sparring partner was absent.
Leia hadn’t come home last night, and she hadn’t called.
Another first.
The flare of rage sweeping beneath the surface of his calm wouldn’t be contained. He’d been trying since 4a.m. when he’d given up his vigil and changed into gym clothes.
He’d have to spend another hour with the punch bag or on the Wing Chun. He propped his elbows on his knees, clasped his blood-spotted bandaged hands together. “Apologies for my state of dress.”
“It is I who should apologize for barging in so early.” A smile. A drift of eyes over his sweat-covered muscles.
Warren ignored the veiled interest and glanced down at the file before him. “Is this accurate?”
“It’s an accurate copy.”
He leafed through the file and then closed it. “Why?” His question didn’t need elaboration and he didn’t offer one.
“Our parallel interests ensure a speedy outcome. You’re welcome to refuse, of course.”
He’d plotted a different path to achieve his goals. But this could expedite things. If it failed, he could resort to his original course of action.
“I’ll have coffee brought in for you. Give me half an hour to get ready.”
37
“Brunch is almost here.”
Leia swam to blissful consciousness and smiled. “I love that you wake me up with the promise of food.”
A kiss landed just above her ear and lingered. “I love that you love that.”
She faced him and they grinned at each other before he pulled the sheet from her. Picking up the remote, he aimed it at the curtains and they slid back to reveal a cobalt-blue sky and glistening ocean.
Lifting her hands above her head, she stretched, contentment like she’d never known stealing over her.
She’d awoken in the middle of the night in Noah’s arms, and the words she tried hard to suppress had bubbled up to her lips.