Page 32 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)
THIRTY-TWO
T hat single touch ignited something primal between them—beyond attraction, beyond the pretense of fake dating. Molly became acutely aware of their bodies’ proximity, the heat radiating from him, the slight tremble in his fingers against hers.
“Those creatures,” she said, her voice husky, “they targeted shifter hearing specifically. Your hearing.”
Warrick’s jaw tightened. “Gus.”
“The magical signature matches what we found at the station.” Molly’s gaze dropped to the ruins of her bakery, reality crashing back. Tears pricked her eyes. “He knows I help you with the wards. He’s targeting both of us now.”
Something fierce and protective flashed across Warrick’s face. Without warning, he pulled her against his chest, arms banding around her with gentle strength. His heartbeat thundered against her ear, powerful and steady.
“He won’t touch you,” Warrick growled, the rumble vibrating through his chest. “I won’t let him.”
Molly melted into his embrace, arms sliding around his waist. His skin burned through the thin fabric of his shirt, and she fought the urge to press her lips against his neck. Instead, she tilted her head back, meeting his intense gaze.
“We protect each other,” she corrected. “I’m not some helpless witch who needs rescuing. That smoke monster would’ve shredded your back if I hadn’t frozen it.”
A flicker of surprise crossed his features, followed by something that looked suspiciously like pride. “We make a good team.”
“We do.” She took a shaky breath, gathering courage. “Mari told me something today. She said balance creates the strongest magic—and the strongest relationships.”
Warrick’s hand moved to her face, thumb brushing away a tear she hadn’t realized she’d shed. His touch sent sparks racing across her skin. “Smart woman, your sister.”
“She also said tigers mate for life,” Molly whispered, emboldened by the heat in his eyes.
His pupils dilated, nostrils flaring slightly as his gaze dropped to her lips. “That’s true.”
“What else should I know about tigers?” She shifted closer, twisting her fingers in his shirt.
Warrick’s voice dropped to a rumble that vibrated through her bones. “They’re territorial. Protective. Once they choose, their devotion is absolute.”
“And have you chosen, Warrick Shaw?” The question escaped before she could reconsider, hanging in the flour-dusted air between them.
For answer, his hand slid into her hair, cradling the back of her head. Time suspended as he searched her eyes, giving her every opportunity to pull away. When she swayed toward him instead, something primitive flashed in his expression.
“From the moment you crashed into me with that ridiculous banner,” he admitted, voice rough. “My tiger recognized you instantly. The man took longer to accept it.”
Joy bloomed in Molly’s chest, expanding until she thought her ribs might crack from containing it. “Does this mean our fake dating plan is officially retired?”
The corner of his mouth lifted in that devastating half-smile. “I think it expired the moment you turned us into human nightlights.”
Molly laughed, the sound transforming into a gasp as his arm tightened around her waist, drawing her flush against him. Her pulse skittered wildly, desire pooling low in her belly at the solid press of his body.
“We should clean up,” she murmured, though she made no move to leave his embrace.
“We should,” he agreed, his gaze fixed on her mouth.
Neither moved.
“Warrick?”
“Hmm?”
“I think I might be falling in love with you,” she confessed, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. “And it terrifies me because I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”
Warrick’s eyes blazed at her admission. His thumb traced the curve of her lower lip, igniting nerve endings she hadn’t known existed. “Terrifying,” he agreed softly. “Wonderful. Inevitable.”