I can’t deny that I feel drawn to her. Even if she weren’t bonded to Adler, she’d stand out in a crowd. She’s drop-dead gorgeous. Her freckled skin, striking golden eyes, and flaming hair that flows down her back in loose waves make it hard to look away from her. Her presence fills the room, and her scent? Damn, it’s addictive.
“Here we are. Your new nest.” I gingerly push the door open, my nerves rising. “It hasn’t been used in a while, so the decor is a little out of style, but we can tailor it to your taste.”
Sabs strides forward with zero hesitation, like she already owns the place. Her confidence only makes her sexier. I love thatshe seems to know who she is and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants.
“Well?” Orin clears his throat, craning his neck to get a look at her expression as she strolls around inside. “Is it satisfactory?”
“Yes.” She looks like she’s fighting the urge to smile. “It’s perfectly satisfactory.”
“Phew.” I breathe a sigh of relief, wiping my forehead.
“I will need some help moving a few things around, though,” she says. “Not that what you’ve done already isn’t great. It’s just?—”
“I get it,” I interrupt her. “You just need to put your own stamp on things?”
Her wide smile is stunning. “Exactly!”
“I can help, if you’d like?” Now that it’s officially Sabs’s nest, I’m waiting until she gives me permission to enter. “Or Adler can do it? If you don’t want anyone else stepping inside yet. I understand?—”
“It’s fine, Luca.” Her smile warms me like the sun shining down. “I’d like your help. Adler can take a shower, and Mr. Grumpy-Pants over there can get ready for work.” She quirks up her eyebrow. “Unless you’d rather help plump cushions?”
Adler snickers and nudges Orin in the ribs. “I don’t see Mr. Grumpy-Pants as being the best cushion plumper.”
“I’ll have you know that my cushion-plumping skills are more than adequate,” Orin states, deadpan.
“More than adequate?” Sabs teases. “Maybe you’ll have to show me sometime.”
His cheeks pink before he clears his throat, retaining his usual composure. Sabs pops her hand on her hip, a sly smile playing on her lips. I have to say that it’s entertaining to see her messing with him. She’s only been in our life for… what? Less than an hour? And already, the stale alpha air in this house feelslike it’s buzzing with life and excitement, a fresh pop of cherries adding to it.
I’ve never particularly liked this mansion. Sure, it comes with the added perks of privacy and being away from some of the chaos of the Alpha Quad, but it’s like living in a shrine to the SVU Foxes, providing a daily reminder of what I can’t have.
“I’m glad the nest is to your liking.” Orin finally regains the ability to speak.
“Make yourself at home, firecracker,” Adler tells her. “I’ll be back soon.” Although he said he’s leaving, he doesn’t move.
“Go shower!” She shoos him. “I can still smell the beach bonfire on you. I’ll be right here.”
“I’ll be with her the whole time,” I promise. “And I put some of your hockey jerseys in the nest, so your scent is everywhere.” Hopefully, this will ease any anxiety he has about them being separated.
“The offer to join me still stands?” Adler questions hopefully, flashing her his bedroom eyes, which usually make girls go weak at the knees. “My shower is more than big enough for two.”
“Luca and I have a nest to perfect,” she tsks, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. “Maybe another time.”
A sniff of her perfume has me searching for something boring to think of in an effort to stop myself from getting a hard-on. My mind lands on a map. Yes, the map of the trail I just walked. Anything to help distract me from how fucking amazing she smells. I don’t want her to think I’m some horny teenager who can’t control himself. She’s already been through enough in the last twenty-four hours, and despite her acting like she’s okay, she must be struggling, considering she ran away.
“I’ll hold you to that.” Adler kisses her on the cheek. I expect her to have a sassy reply, but she only grins, making me wish she’d smile at me like that.
As he pads down the corridor to his room, Sabs turns her attention back to Orin, who surprisingly, is still rooted to the spot. “Aren’t you going to be late?”
He flinches, like he’s been pulled from a daydream, then undoes the top two buttons of his shirt. He’s trying to hide it, but her scent is obviously having an effect on him too. How can it not? It’s like being presented with the most delicious dessert when you’re starving.
“I’ll bring up your suitcases and leave them by the nest door before I leave.” Orin’s tone is gruff. “I’ll see you this evening.” He nods in a businesslike manner before turning to me. “Keep an eye on Adler and Drax.”
“I will.” I nod before he heads off, leaving me and Sabs alone. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I come in?—”
She seizes my arm and yanks me over to where the bed is positioned, wasting no time in ordering me to move various items around.
She picks up a cushion that’s shaped like a pink flamingo. I thought Drax was crazy when he spotted it in my room, but he insisted she’d love it. I don’t know why I kept it. Adler bought it for me as a gag gift when we played against the Florida Flamingoes, not knowing that game would be the one where I’d get injured and rendered unable to play professionally. My hand reflexively flies to my shoulder, rubbing the joint and feeling a phantom twinge.
