“Not really. I got up for some water and heard you wandering around downstairs.”
“Damn thin insulation in this old house. Not like your grandfather’s place by any stretch,” I tease, kissing the corner of her mouth.
She laughs but searches my expression. “What were you doing?”
“Working,” I admit.
“That should be illegal after midnight.” She takes my hand and leads me back to the bedroom, shutting the door behind us and pushing me up against it.
I let her, knowing she’s so small and light I could throw her onto the bed from here.
“I’ve never been good at switching off,” I whisper against her mouth.
How the fuck does she always smell delicious? Apple blossoms for miles.
Fucking apple.
I inhale her roughly, not caring when she laughs.
“Maybe I should help you.”
“Maybe you should.” Her hand stops mine before it slides up her baggy tee.
“But you should also tell me what has you so worried.” She leans back so she can look at me through the hazy strips of soft streetlights coming through the blinds.
“I’d rather make you come with my mouth.”
“Soon.” She looks at me impatiently, and I sigh.
“I was looking into the thieves, following the trail of crumbs. Happy now?”
“No,” she says, but she leans up to kiss me anyway. “Holden, I told you not to worry. You’ll drive yourself crazy. We’re safe now, and the rest should be up to the police.”
I wish it were that simple.
She’d hate me even more if she knew I called Fairfax. Shit, if she knew everything, she’d be mad at me for breaching her independence.
She’d be right, too.
If she were my client—a normal boss, a normal relationship—I’d have obeyed her instructions and let it go.
But it’s not a normal working relationship.
We’re emotionally invested and sharing a bed. We’re living under my roof with a priceless object that paints a target on our backs.
This isn’t about duty—it’s about protecting her.
If something happened to her, or even to the fucking egg, I’d never forgive myself.
“I hear you, woman. Live in the moment,” I whisper, wrapping my hands around her waist and drawing her up to my mouth. I kiss down her neck and she gasps. “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.”
“Holden.”
She grips my arms, her little nails digging in.
“You’re going to have to be quiet for me, Nile.” I slide my hands down to her ass, shoving her against my cock until she moans. “Understand?”
“Yes,” she whimpers.
