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My feet move swiftly, carrying me to the couch to sit by Lottie’s side. As if I’ve done it a million times, I place a soft kiss on her temple in greeting. She accepts it, not pulling away or pushing me away. I take it as a win, tilt her chin up with my knuckle, and press another kiss to her lips this time. Infusing it with all the pent-up lust she stirs in me.

When we pull apart, Lottie’s lips are swollen pink, her eyes are unfocused, and her breath comes in short pants. The best part is the pink flush spreading across her cheeks and down her neck.

“Um, what was the question,” she asks in a daze, her eyes focusing on my lips as if she wants to kiss me again.

Later, sweet Nightingale. I’ll kiss you all you want.

“What did you and my sister get up to while I was gone?” I repeat.

“Oh. Not much. Just talking.”

“About?”

“You. The mate bond. Fashion shows in Paris.”

I chuckle and settle on the couch, pulling her into my side and getting comfortable. I could stay like this forever, especially when she snuggles into my side and makes herself comfortable.

“Fashion shows in Paris, huh? She blackmailing you into taking her? Don’t let her push you around and force you to do things you don’t want to. She can be a bit demanding at times. Especially when it comes to fashion.”

She snickers and rests her head on my chest just under my shoulder. My arm finds its proper place around her, holding her close. I like snuggly, affectionate Lottie.

“She’s not blackmailing me. I offered to take her whenever she wants to go. It doesn’t matter to me. The fashion is interesting, but it was never really my scene. I only ever went because it’s what my manager and publicity team thought I should do to better my image and popularity. To be seen in the most prestigious fashion shows hob-knobbing with a-list celebrities.”

She inhales deeply and her body goes lax on the exhale.

“I hated going to those events and parties and acting like I was so excited to be there. It was exhausting.”

I rub my thumb along the soft fabric of her sweater covering her arm in a soothing motion that seems to quell her growing displeasure. She will no longer do things that displease her. Only pleasurable things when I’m around.

“You don’t have to take her. She won’t be mad if you tell her no.”

“I know. But maybe with her at my side, I’d actually enjoy it.”

The thought that Lottie is making plans with my sister that far in the future is encouraging. That means she wants to be around that long.

“I will gladly play bodyguard for you if you want to go. Hell, maybe I’ll even rope Luna in to do some private work for me this time.”

Her giggles cause goosebumps to rise across my flesh, and again, I’m struck with just how much she affects me. It must be the mate pull. It has to be because no one has ever elicited such volatile reactions from me.

We fall into a comfortable silence, neither one of us moving from our position on the couch, and I take the opportunity to relax, to just be and feel what it could be like with her as my mate. My inner peace only broken when Lottie speaks.

“So, what shall we do for the rest of the day? I’ve been dying to go into the bookstore and pick out a few books. And we could swing by The Sticky Bun for an afternoon snack. Maybe go for a walk after when we get back.”

I hate to burst her happy bubble, but we won’t be doing any of that today or anytime soon. If she wants something from the restaurants in town, I’ll have Ginger or Ryder or one of my assistants drop it off for us.

“We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to get comfy and stay right here. We can have my assistant Levi bring us something later if there’s something specific you’re craving.”

“If he could rustle up some sushi, I would love him forever. But why can’t we just go get it ourselves?” Lottie’s tone becomes sharper but confused.

“Because Vincent and his men are still running around town, and I’d like to keep you safe from whatever he may have planneduntil he leaves. So, until then, you’re going to have to stay here under my protection.”

Lottie jerks from my arms so abruptly that she practically falls off the couch in her retreat.

“What? Are you trying to tell me I have to stay here and can’t go anywhere? At all till you say it’s okay?”

From the sharp tone of her voice, I gather she’s not happy about my decree, and I tread carefully in my response but maintain my decision.

“Yes. It’s dangerous with Vincent trying to make a play for you, and it’s easier to keep you safe here, in the cabin.”