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Unfortunately, that’s not the last thing I say. Somewhere in my hazy mind, I think I say something about my treasure chest under my bed.

Which is where my rabbit, along with my other toys, are hidden.

Chapter 13

Walker

I don’t want to wake her up. There’s no doubt she’s going to feel like shit. I stare down at her, wrapped in my blankets, and wish like hell I could get back in bed with her. Even drunk and semi-conscious, she found a way to curl into me, her arm and leg slung across my chest all night.

I think back to the time before Emi, and my clear aversion to having any woman sleeping with me all night. It had happened, but I was never a cuddly man. It’s not my style, or at least it wasn’t until a few weeks ago. Now, I’m not sure how I’d sleep without her body pressed against mine. Since the very first night, when she nuzzled into my side, it has become the norm for us.

The jumpsuit she wore last night catches my eye. It’s in a puddle on the floor where I left it after getting her undressed. It serves as another reminder of how much life has changed since meeting Emi. Years in the service are ingrained in my soul, and before, you’d never find clothes on my floor. But this doesn’t bother me.

When I walked onto the terrace last night and saw her for the first time, the only thought in my head was getting her home and peeling her out of those clothes. Then I glanced around and saw I wasn’t the only one having those thoughts. All four of the women were collecting attention, and the possessiveness inside reared. Marcus thought it was hilarious. I did not.

So, I made my decision, staking my claim, and at the same time letting her know I wasn’t there to ruin her girls’ night. What I didn’t tell her is that even though Brett had called telling me she was there, I already knew. Nina had confirmed with Rachel.

All night, I observed her with her friends, laughing, joking, telling old stories. I noticed Maren was happy, much happier than the night she beat on my window to get to Emi. Her color was great, her laugh was full, and her whole attitude was changed. I hoped to God she was finally over her break-up.

Emi starts to stir, moaning as she lifts her head. Without opening her eyes, she reaches for my pillow and buries her face with a soft groan. I sit beside her and sweep her hair over her

shoulder, trying to avoid the knots.

“Babe, I’ve got to go.”

“Do I have to go?” she grumbles.

“No, call me when you get moving. I’ll come get you and take you home. Sleep all you want, shower, eat, watch TV… You don’t have to go home at all if you don’t want.”

“Am I naked?”

“I left your panties on.”

“You undressed me?”

“Yes.”

“Please, tell me I didn’t miss the hot, sweaty, fire-cracking sex.”

“I can assure you that’s not something you’d miss.”

“Good, I want to have hot, sweaty, body-grinding sex and rub it in Maren’s face. This is all her fault.”

“I’m not following. Is this drunk sleepy speak? Because Maren didn’t pour those drinks down your throat, this one’s all on you.”

“It’s more fun to blame her.”

“Is discussing our sex life going to be a thing with your girls?”

“Most likely, they’re nosy.”

I kiss from shoulder to shoulder and caress the back of her head. “You think you can rollover and give me a kiss goodbye?”

She rolls slowly, only rotating her head enough for me to see half of her face. Her hand cups my jaw, feeling the smooth skin.

“Today was a shave day.” She notices.

“Yeah, it was time.”