Chapter 12
Later, on the dusty sofa, still cradled in Colton’s arms, Jewel listened to the steady thump of his heart and felt peace for the first time in years.
The feeling unnerved her.
Frowning, she twisted to peer up into his gaze. “Don’t fall in love with me,” she warned. She didn’t know if she was talking to him or to herself.
He raised his head and gave her a lazy, sated smile. She felt it burn, low in her belly.
“No worries,” he said. But the warmth in his dark eyes told her he was lying.
A small falsehood from one who claimed to value truth, though she couldn’t really blame him—cuddling with him like this made the temptation to lie to herself equally strong.
Especially now.
One thought kept nagging at her, one insidious, dangerous idea.This thing between them could be beautiful, a once-in-a-lifetime pairing.
Mates.
No.The word should be a curse word. She’d believed Leo was her mate, and look where that foolishness had gotten her. She needed to rein in the fantasy now.
Outside, birds sang. The breeze drifted in the open windows, making the cotton curtains billow and spin. This dusty little trailer was a far cry from the mansion she’d shared with Leo, yet she’d trade them instantly if given a choice. Right here, right now, being here with Colton, being held in his arms, made her feel cherished and loved.
Dangerous thoughts.
Still, she couldn’t banish the contentment.
Time to be rational, practical. She’d made a bad choice before. This thing with Colton would be an even worse one.
She began to list the reasons. Though they were numerous, the two most important were all that should have mattered.
She was a shifter; he was not.
And one of the most notorious criminals in the United States wanted her dead. He’d get his wish soon, if she didn’t figure out a way to change.
She refused to give in to self-pity.
Looking up, she found Colton watching her.
“You worry too much,” he said.
Wanting to laugh and cry at the same time, she shook her head. “I’m serious, Colton.”
“I am, too.” Tracing the line of her jaw, he regarded her with eyes still dark from passion. “I’ll tell you what. I won’t fall for you, if you don’t fall for me.”
She went still. Even her heart stopped beating for half a second. How had he known? Chest tight, she tried to respond with an equally lighthearted comment, but couldn’t get past the lump in her throat.
Finally, she managed to choke out a response. “You’ve got a deal.”
“Good.” He brushed a kiss near her ear, making her shiver.
If she turned the slightest bit, she could capture his mouth with hers….
No.
Scooting backward, she sat up. Swinging her legs over the side of the couch, she brushed her hair from her eyes. “There’s a lot about me you don’t know.”
When he didn’t respond, she couldn’t help but look at him. He stretched, drawing her gaze to his flat, hard stomach and muscular chest. When he saw her looking, he gave her a lazy smile so full of masculine confidence her heart skipped.
