Page 58 of While He Breathes

I open my mouth to reply, but snap it shut again. Honestly, there are no words for how crazy everything that’s come out of his mouth is, and I really don’t know how to respond.

“I’ll get all the paperwork sent over to Max so he can have his lawyers look it over, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I shake my head. “The legalities are definitely not what I’m taking issue with, Orion.”

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“Remember how you asked me five minutes ago what you could do to make things less overwhelming?”

He nods, his brows tugging together in confusion.

“This entire interaction is the exact opposite of easing my anxiety. In fact, I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a heart attack at my age?” I rub the center of my chest. More than likely, it’s a panic attack coming on, but hell, with the bomb he just dropped, it could definitely be something more serious.

A deep chuckle fills the SUV, and I scowl at him. What part of all of this is he finding amusing? Because everything he’s said feels like what people describe being on hard drugs is like.

Oh my god.

I’m half-owner of an international drug distribution ring.

I could be arrested.

I could be sent to prison.

Do they give the death penalty for these kinds of things?

And is the death penalty a thing in California?

It takes a few moments to realize we’ve pulled over between two warehouses, and Orion’s unclipping my seat belt.

Without hesitation, he drags me across the center console until my legs are straddling his, and his arms are wrapped around me tightly.

“You’re okay,” he murmurs against my hair. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

“I could go to jail, Orion! Is that why you did this? So you have a scapegoat if shit hits the fan?”

His fingers knit into the hair at the nape of my neck, and he tugs back harshly until I’m forced to look at him. “Absolutely not,” he growls. “I would never put you in a position like that. In fact, the lawyers drew up the paperwork in such a way that ensures you’re not complicit in any of my illegal dealings.”

“But you just said that I’m a part owner. There’s no way they wouldn’t suspect me!”

“Ember,” he snaps. “Breathe for me, Little Flame. You’re panicking, and there’s no need for that. All any of this means is that you have all the money and resources you could ever want or need, and the freedom to spend the rest of your life doing whatever brings you joy.”

“As long as I’m with you,” I deadpan.

“Exactly.” He smirks before dragging my face back to his chest, where I can’t help but relax into his warmth.

How does he do that? How does he calm me with ease when I’ve never even been able to calm myself?

He shifts us slightly, and I notice his hardness against my lower belly, but I don’t manage to swallow my gasp in time, earning me a rough chuckle.

“See what you do to me, Ember?”

“How are you hard again? You came twice this morning.”

“My cock is your biggest fan. I suspect that anytime you’re near, I’ll be hard as a rock.”

I shake my head. “You’re incorrigible.”

“And don’t you forget it.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “God, I want to fuck you so badly right now.”