A knot lodges in my throat. “And what?” I rasp.
She looks at me from beneath her lashes. “Hold me?”
I can’t deny her what we both want. But if I cross this line, there’s no going back. Not for me.
“You sure that’s what you want?”
“When I’m with you, I feel safe.”
I cross slowly to her, giving her the last few seconds to change her mind.
She lifts her arms to me the moment I reach her, sliding them around my neck. Sealing my fate.
I scoop her into my arms and carry her to my bed.
CHAPTER SEVEN
DORIAN
Laying Lisette down in my bed, seeing her hair fan over my pillow… I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. God knows I don’t deserve to have her here, but I’ll take whatever she offers.
She slides under the covers and holds them open, waiting for me.
I swallow hard. Then peel my shirt and pants off, and crawl in beside her.
The moment my back hits the mattress, she’s in my arms, curling against my side.
Trusting me to keep her safe.
My cock is hard as a rock. I want to roll her onto her back and make love to her. Show her what I can’t say with words.
Instead, I switch off the light and let her lead where this goes. If all she needs is my strength and protection tonight, that’s what she’ll get.
Lisette snuggles closer, resting one hand on my chest. Her silky leg drapes over one of mine. She smells like cherries and the spice of my soap, like she’s already part of me. Twined so deeply into my life that she’s in my blood. My heart.
“Why did you come back to Hollow Peak, Dorian?” she asks in the darkness.
When I left the service, I could have gone anywhere. But there was only one place on my mind. One person. “For you.” The words are gruff, dragged out of my soul. “This was the only place I was ever happy. Because of you. I hoped I could find you again. Even if you were married with a dozen kids… I needed to know you were happy.” It’s the most I’ve spoken to anyone in years. Only Lisette draws the words out. Makes me comfortable enough to say them.
I hear the hitch in her breath.
“Dorian.”
I rub her back, not sure what else to say.
She leans up on one arm to cup my cheek, her thumb sliding over my scar. “I never got over losing you. My heart broke when they took you away. I cried for days.”
I cover her hand with mine, memorizing her touch. “So did I.” For losing her and my mom at the same time.
“Fate brought us back together.”
“And Florine.” She doesn’t know about the promise I made, and I’m not sure what to tell her.
Florine once told me that my grandfather was the love of her life, but the timing wasn’t right for them. She hoped Lisette and I might have what they didn’t. At the time, it seemed impossible. But here, with Lisette in my bed, I can almost dare to hope.
“I can’t lose you again,” she whispers.
The ache in her voice cracks open my chest. “Then don’t.” Cupping the back of her neck, I draw her lips down to mine.
