She looks toward the door and narrows her eyes. I take a step and knock on the glass, not wanting to scare her, and resume my stance against the rail. Her steps are hesitant, but she makes steady progress.
“Why aren’t you sleeping?” she whispers as she opens the door.
“Why aren’t you?” I ask, greedily soaking up her presence.
“My head won’t shut up.” She takes two steps and tilts her head. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” I say softly. I like the sensation her concern causes.
“Good.” She crosses her arms, rubbing her skin.
“You’re cold.” I frown.
“Not much.”
I narrow my eyes. “Don’t lie.”
“Fine, yes, I am. I would have grabbed a sweater if I knew I was coming outside.” She shrugs, and a slight gasp escapes when I begin to unbutton my shirt. “Um…what’s happening?”
“You're cold. This is the fastest solution. The fabric is thick.” I shrug my shirt over my shoulders. She focuses on my chest as I step close. “Arm.” Her arm shoots out, and I work my shirt upit, and then the other. Once it’s settled, I button it and drop my hands. “Better?” Her head snaps up, and she meets my eyes.
“Uh…yeah.” She tilts her head. “Is this real?” she whispers.
“What?” I ask.
“Never mind,” she mumbles, and I clench my teeth. The scent of desire is strong, and I shouldn’t smile. “You won’t be cold?”
“Shifters run hot.”
“I guess,” she says, and I can’t help it. My grin flashes. “How many tattoos do you have?” I follow her gaze to my chest.
“I lost count.” I lift my hand and trace the small scar on her temple. I noticed it before, and I’m curious how she marred her perfect skin. “How did this happen?”
“Oh,” she mumbles, replacing my finger as I drop my hand. “My father wears a ring.” My humor disappears.
“Do you want me to kill him?” I ask, and she laughs. Then stops.
“Wait, you're serious.” She stares at me.
“It would be easy to do. He shouldn’t be allowed to touch you, to hurt you in any way,” I growl.
“Tempting. But he's a miserable man, and I don’t talk to him much.” She moves her hair to cover the mark.
“Don’t hide it,” I command, tucking the strands behind her ear. “It represents how strong you are.”
“That’s beautiful. I’ve never thought about it like that.” She smiles, leaning close. “Thank you.”
I move back. “You need to know.” I cross my arms. “I told Hunter and Remy the story you shared with us.”
“Why?” she asks.
“We're a team. They need to know everything we know to prevent a bad reaction.” I don’t sense any anger.
“Why would I react badly?” She frowns.
“We are dominant men.”
“Yeah, I can tell,” she snorts, and I narrow my eyes. “I don’t mind the growly thing.”
