Three. I need to move Lizzy out of her house.
The third one makes me smile. I guess one positive outcome of the situation is Lizzy moving in with me. With a smile on my face, I plan exactly how I’m going to ask her on our car ride home.
Chapter 38
Lizzy
“Move in with me.” Bash’s broken plea tumbles from his mouth, abruptly ending our conversation about my work schedule this week.
I inhale a sharp breath, unsure if I heard him right. It’s too soon. That’s what a sane person would think. Then the reason dawns on me. “Because of Vincent?”
“Because every minute away from you is a waste. Because I need you by my side like I need air in my lungs. Because you’re my angel, and without you, I’ll succumb to the fury of my underworld.” He reaches for me, one hand on the wheel, the other clutching my thigh, sending tingles through me, causing my thigh to clench. “I’m just using that bastard as a reason to speed up the timeline. But this isn’t temporary. Once I have you, you can’t abandon me. I won’t survive it.”
I speak past the lump in my throat. No one’s ever wanted me like Bash does. No one’s ever begged for me. “I’d love to move in with you.”
His exhale and the drop of his shoulders have my heart clenching. His relief is palpable. “Thank you, my angel.”
“Let’s stop at my house on our way home so I can pack a few things. It’s not too late.” It’s only seven. Dinner was served earlier than usual according to Bash since the family was there early.
He nods and makes the turn to my house. We pull into the driveway, and to my shock, Bash unsheathes a gun from his holster in his waistband. I’ve caught glimpses of the knives and guns he carries on him, but besides the night of the break-in, I haven’t seen him armed and ready.
Sensing my hesitation, he runs his empty hand over my cheek. “It’s just a precaution.”
Using the key I shouldn’t be surprised he has, he unlocks my door. I follow in behind him and beeline towards my enclosures.
“They’re all up to date on their feeding schedule, but I’m sure they won’t mind a treat,” he tells me.
This sweet man. Not only does he take care of me, but also my unusual pets. Which reminds me. “Did you truly used to be afraid of lizards?”
He blushes and runs a hand through his hair. “Yes. It’s ridiculous now that I know how calm these creatures are. But all reptiles used to give me the creeps.”
“What changed?”
“You did. If the woman I love cares so passionately about reptiles, then clearly I’m the one who’s mistaken. I started by learning how to care for the ones you have, then by visiting the zoo and listening to your presentations.”
“You’re an amazing man, Sebastian.” I pull him down by the collar of his shirt and press a quick kiss to his lips. “Okay, enough of that. Let’s pack up my bedroom.”
He follows me to the closet where I have quite a few bags and boxes stored. I don’t have too many clothes, so it’s enough.
“Is there room for my clothes in your closet?” I haven’t ventured that far, not having a reason to see his clothes.
“Of course there is. I cleared out half the closet and bought a second dresser after our first encounter. I knew now that I’d met you, there was no going back. We’d eventually be here, with you moving in. It was inevitable.” His soft smile as he talks of us has me soaring. “Should I do the closet or dresser?”
“Either is fine,” I start to say then picture the drawers full of undergarments. “Actually, you do the closet.”
We fall into casual conversation as we work. Bag after bag is filled, leaving me surprised by how many clothes I have. I’m so caught up in the fantasy of waking next to Bash every morning that I don’t realize he’s moved until a familiar squeak reaches my ears.
As if in slow motion, I turn and shout, “No! Don’t open that!” But I’m too late.
Because my nightstand top drawer is open, and Bash stares at the contents. Slowly, a devilish smirk overtakes his features, and to my horror, he reaches inside. When his hand retreats, my purple friend is swallowed by those large fingers. It only highlights how big his hands are.
“What’s this?” he asks as he turns to me, an excited gleam in his eyes.
My face, already impossibly red, somehow deepens in its heat. I reach up, covering my cheeks with my hands. “It’s nothing. Put it down. Please.”
His eyes shoot back to the contents inside the drawer, inspecting its friend. His hand dips into it only to return with my bullet. “It seems you’ve been having quite a bit of fun without me.”
“I… I…” I blow out a breath and place my hands on my hips. “I’m a woman who has needs! Would you have rather I found some man to do the job?”
