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I’m moaning—not quiet, demure sounds, but primal cries of need. My womb clenches, my thighs are shaking, and my inner muscles are quivering.
Ben never takes his eyes off me, even as our bodies crash into each other and we fly toward the edge of the cliff together. And the look in his eyes—can it be love?—makes me certain I’m already in love with him.
One more thrust, one more flick of his thumb, and I come apart. Arching in his arms, crying out in ecstasy, my entire body electrified. It’s more than I ever imagined possible.
A moment later, Ben follows me, exploding inside me. His heat fills me, the first time I’ve ever felt this kind of joining. And I never want to feel it with anyone but him.
Minutes later, Ben carries me into the living room and settles us both on the couch. I’m still naked except for my barely-there bra, but now I don’t even care.
He snuggles me into his arms, pressing soft kisses to my head. “Thea,” he says softly, his breath whispering across my hair. “I need to tell you two things.”
He wouldn’t say anything bad after that, would he? “What things?”
“First, and don’t argue with me; I’ll keep insisting until you give in. You’re staying with me from now on.” Shifting me so he can meet my gaze, Ben continues. “I’m not letting you go home to stay by yourself. I’ve got the security, and Blade and Arrow will add extra surveillance here. It’ll be safe. I promise.”
“Ben—”
“I mean it, sweetheart. I need you here with me. I want to hold you when you have a nightmare. Comfort you when you’re having a rough day. And it will be safe here; I’ve already talked to Cole and Leo about it. You know I wouldn’t put Laila at risk. Just trust me.”
I want to stay with him so badly. “Ben… I want to… but…”
“And.” His voice gentles. “I want you with me because I’m falling in love with you. And I can’t bear it, knowing you’re back at your condo every night alone. Please, agree to stay here. We’ll bring Daisy; Laila will love it. It’ll all be okay. Please?”
He’s falling in love with me?
My chest feels like it’s about to explode with happiness. “I’m falling in love with you, too.”
“Thea.” Ben captures my mouth with his, giving me a short and tender kiss. When he pulls back, he’s smiling. “Does that mean you’ll stay?”
How can I say no?
“Yes.”
Chapter 13
BEN
A tortured cry rips me from sleep.
Pulse rocketing, I’m awake in an instant, conditioned after years of parenthood. Years of nightmares and stomach bugs and monsters under the bed.
But it’s not Laila this time. The sound isn’t right. And it’s coming from the wrong direction.
As another moan reaches me, my stomach clenches. Thea.
I leap out of bed, racing toward the room next to me. The room where Thea’s been sleeping for the last few nights, after she finally agreed to move in with me.
But not in the same bedroom. “I don’t want Laila to feel uncomfortable,” Thea said as we discussed it this past weekend. “It’s a lot for her to have her dad dating; I don’t want her to feel like I’m trying to take over everything.”
I love that Thea’s so concerned about Laila’s feelings. And I agreed that staying in separate bedrooms would make things easier in the beginning. Let Laila get used to another person living with us before I move Thea into my bedroom.
It’s only a matter of time until that happens. I’m absolutely certain of it.
It seemed like a good idea to have Thea in the guest bedroom. Until now. Until the terrible, frightened sounds she’s making tear my heart to shreds.
I’m in her room in seconds, the sight of Thea suffering like a punch to the chest.
Like the last time I woke her from a nightmare, I’m met with wet cheeks and tangled hair and her small body shaking. The sheets are tangled between her legs, as if she’s trying to run away from something. And the sounds she’s making… God. It’s horrible.
