Page 35 of Duke

I’ve got her.

She’s sleeping now.

Mason:

I’m stuck in this meeting.

Get bail money ready.

Bear:

???

Mason:

Because if Tristan’s had anything to

do with this shit that’s been happening.

I’m going to fucking kill him.

You and me, both.

Bear:

You know if Tristan is involved...

My dad probably is too.

I don’t know why it took me

so long to see it.

Turned a blind eye, I guess.

Well, no more.

I don’t think we’re off track.

Mason:

We can sort through everything.

Decide on a course of action.

Because I’m not fucking sitting back

and watching more shit hit the fan.

Thoughts bounce around in my head, and the logical part of my brain wants to pick every last detail apart and dissect what’s been going on in the weeks since Lennon was dumped into my lap. But I fucking can’t with her sound asleep, my shirt fisted between us in her tightly clenched hands. I swear if she were able, she’d already have burrowed under my skin. Her body obviously told her she needed to pass the fuck out and give her mind a break. She needs me. Even in sleep.

Maybe I can speak to her dreaming mind and let the way I’m feeling for her really, truly sink in. I press my lips to the top of her head before I murmur, “I’m never going to let anyone hurt you again. If it means I spend every moment with you glued to my side, that’s how it’s going to have to be. I need you. Your smiles. Your wit. Your fuckin’ sass.” My heart clenches behind my rib cage, and I work a hard swallow like there are nails in my throat. “Waited so long for you, Stella Bella. I’m done fighting this attraction. I will fight tooth and nail for my place in your heart.”

Her fingers relax their hold and find their way beneath my shirt. They slide over my abdomen before one slips around to my back. Our legs tangle together as our bodies align.

Is she still asleep? A soft sigh passes between her lips. Her eyes are shut, but her long lashes are fluttering a bit. That roaming hand of hers finds my ass and tugs me closer at the same time she throws her leg over my thigh.

“Duke?” She lifts one hand, stroking her fingers down my cheek. “Say it again.” Her lips are the most perfect pink, lush and trembling.