Page 106 of The Bronze Garza

When he returns a couple of minutes later, he lifts me up like I’m this precious, delicate thing and positions me on the bed so we’re laying vertical—heads to the headboard—instead of horizontal.

As he pulls me up against him, I point out, “You didn’t use a condom.”

“Clearly.”

“I assumed you’d be more circumspect about...this kind of stuff.”

One corner of his mouth tips up, and he looks so…at peace. It’s jarring to see him this relaxed, because he’s normally so tense and serious. “I know everything about you, Lyra.”

This has me lifting a brow. “You do, huh?”

“I know you’re clean—got your latest medical records in my office—and I know you’re on the Pill. I know you were put on anti-depressants—which you never take. I know you have a stash of ‘happy pills’—that you bribed your therapist to get you—and you take those once in a while instead. I know you’re allergic to pets and shellfish. I know that during your cycle, only Midol helps with the pain.”

When I just blink at him, he asks, “Want me to go on?”

“Where did you get all that informa—nevermind. Stupid question.”

He chuckles. Actuallychuckles.And the sound is a beautiful melody.

Warmth floods me. I madeTorin Garzachuckle.

“Still angry at me?”

“A smidge.”

“Why?” I whine. “How can you be angry at something that feltsoamazing?” I burrow my face to his chest. “Please stop being angry.”

He holds me to him, kissing the top of my head, and I can hear the smile in his voice when he replies, “Maybe tomorrow.”

~

I wake ona gasp of pleasure.

Torin’s mouth is at my core, eating me without abandon, his fingers digging into my thighs.

In no time at all, I’m gripping his head as I shake and spasm with my orgasm.

He plants kisses on my inner thighs while I flutter back down to earth.

I wait to feel his weight shift on top of me, but it doesn’t come.

The mattress dips, and when I languidly turn my head, it’s to the sight of his tall, broad-shouldered body disappearing into the bathroom.

Dull blue streaks of dawn pour into the room, slowly chasing away the darkness.

I’m too drained to speak or move, so I roll over onto my stomach, hug a pillow under my cheek, and the last thing I’m aware of is the sound of the shower running.

ChapterTwenty-Six

“Oh.”

Lyra

Later that morning, I’m sitting cross-leggedon top of the kitchen island, sipping my smoothie and reading Chuck Wendig’s latest blog post, when Reuben and one of the twins emerges from the hall of Torin’s office.

The twin grins at me and I know right away that this one is Trueman. He has such a zesty disposition.

“Mornin’,” Reuben greets with a smile, coming over to me. He offers his fist and I put the smoothie down to bump mine to his. “Keeping out of trouble?”