Page 72 of Hero Mine

His brows lifted. “This is fantastic, Bug.”

“I couldn’t keep hiding.” She moved closer to him. “Not from my house. Not from anything.”

Bear’s gaze darkened as it dropped to the silky robe, lingering on where it parted slightly at her collarbone. “This isn’t your normal attire. Different.”

“Differentgood?”

“Different amazing.” His voice had dropped lower, a rumble that sent shivers across her skin. “And you being here in your house makes it all even better.”

“I know.” She smiled, gesturing to the space around them. “It feels different now. Like it’s mine again. Not perfect, but…better.”

Bear stepped closer, his hands settling on her waist, warm through the thin silk. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m so proud of you.”

The words hit her harder than she expected, lodging somewhere beneath her ribs. “It’s small steps.”

“Small steps are still steps.” He brushed his thumb against the silk, and she felt her breath catch. “You hungry?”

“For dinner?” She let one corner of her mouth lift in a teasing smile. “Honestly? Not particularly.”

His eyes darkened further. “What are you hungry for then, Bug?”

Joy’s heart hammered as she reached for the sash of her robe, slowly untying it. The silk parted, revealing the midnight-blue lingerie beneath.

Bear went completely still, his breathing visibly hitching.

“Thought you might like this,” she whispered, letting the robe slip from her shoulders completely, pooling around her feet like water.

“Jesus,” he breathed, his gaze traveling slowly over her, taking in every lace-trimmed curve, every delicate strap, every inch of skin. “Joy…”

“I bought this before…” She swallowed. “I’ve been collecting pieces like this for years. Nobody knows. Nobody sees this side of me. Only you.”

Bear’s hands hovered at his sides, hands clenching and unclenching into fists, like he was afraid to touch her, afraid she might disappear. “You’re beautiful.”

“It’s still me.” She needed him to understand. “This is part of me too. The part that wants the pink food truck and feminine things. The part that’s not just skinned knees and reckless dares.”

“I know who you are.” His voice was rough, barely controlled. “I’ve always known.”

With a gentle touch, he brushed his fingers against her shoulder, tracing the thin strap of her bra. “You wore this for me?”

“Yes.” She reached for him, her fingers curling into his shirt. “Only you.”

That was all it took.

Bear’s control snapped. He pulled her against him, his mouth claiming hers in a kiss that stole her breath. His hands slid down her back, fingers splaying against the bare skin above the lace of her panties.

“Upstairs,” he growled against her lips.

“The sauce?—”

“Go turn it off.”

Joy laughed breathlessly as she rushed over to switch off the stove. He never took his eyes off her. As soon as she was back in his reach, his hands were everywhere, tracing the edges of lace, skimming over silk-covered skin.

He lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her toward the stairs. Her back hit the wall halfway up, Bear pressing against her, his mouth hot on her throat.

“Need to slow down,” he murmured, but he gripped her thighs tighter.

“Don’t you dare.” She tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling his mouth back to hers.