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Moore looked me over slowly before grunting and making his way down the hall. Tennessee chuckled under his breath at his partner’s antics. “He’s going to act like a bear with a sore paw for weeks because of this.”
He would because he felt guilty. We’d have to talk later. I didn’t have another emotional chat in me.
Waving Dominic and Greyson with me, I started down the hallway. I had to get my game face on. This wasn’t just a touch base; it was the starting of a war council.
“Where should I go?”
I stopped, turning to Nate in confusion. “Wherever you normally go.”
He nodded like he expected that, but instead of leaving, he straightened his spine and crossed his arms. “I’m staying with you.”
“You’re not.” He couldn’t.
“I am.”
“That’s not your choice,” Grey said calmly. Dominic was silent at his side, but the tense way he held himself told me he’d go after Nate if I let him. He had too much anxious energy bubbling inside him, and I made a note to get him into the gym before he exploded again. “You two go ahead,” I told them. “Nate and I need to chat.”
Greyson immediately turned, yanking Dominic along with him so he couldn’t argue. I waited until they were out of sight to turn back to Nate.
“What’s this about?”
“I know we’ve got a lot to talk about and I’m neither a Marcosa nor your boyfriend, but I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
The word boyfriend struck me hard and fast. Confusion mixed with a seedling of hope that I squashed before it could attempt to take root. I would not moon over Nate Black. “Where is this coming from? Correct me if I’m wrong, but you refused to join the family.”
“I did, and I stand by that.”
“Then why are we having this conversation?”
“Because I was at home alone while you were out nearly dying.” The stark conviction he said it with pierced me in the chest. I’d scared Nate. I’d hurt him. Christ.
“That’s why you want in.”
“I want in because I never want to see you walk out that door without me at your back. I’m aware I have no right to ask this, but let me help.” He stepped closer until our breaths mingled. “You saw my file. You know I’ve got the skills to protect you, but I’ll show you if that’s what you need. Just don’t make me stay behind again. Don’t shut me out.”
I’d already promised I wouldn’t, but I couldn’t help needling him. I blamed the drugs.
“Is this what you do for friends, Nate?”
The second the words came out of my mouth, I knew I shouldn’t have said them. I couldn’t help it, though. The way he looked at me made me wonder if he was as uninterested as he’d originally said, or if things had changed once he moved in. Before, it was polite distance, but now, it was heat and turmoil and a little fear.
“No, but I don’t want to be friends with you,” he admitted.
“No?”
“I have my sights much higher.”
Tilting my head, I smiled and tried not to show how much that frankness turned me on. Apparently broken ribs had nothing on my libido. “Rejection to friends to something more. Careful or you’ll give a girl whiplash.”
A ghost of a grin crossed his face, and he dipped even closer until every word brushed against my lips. I felt those small touches everywhere. “It took me a while to realize that having someone like you is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Whatever the cost, I think you’ll be more than worth it.”
That sounded great, but… “Is this just sex, then?”
His eyes darkened, and he ran his thumb across my jaw so softly it made me shiver. “No, but that’ll be nice too when you’re ready.”
I believed him. “I don’t think I’ve had a man tell me no so many times.”
“I’d promise to stop, but it would be a lie.”
