Page 109 of Anton

Blyat. I want to kiss her badly enough that I don’t know what’s stopping me anymore.

Her mouth parts as I cradle her jaw, those wide, expectant eyes fixed on me. But instead of giving in, I let her go and force my attention back to the screen.

She stays tucked against me until her eyes grow heavy and the popcorn bag starts to slide from her lap. I take it, careful not to wake her, and peer down at her sleeping against me. It makes me want to protect her even more than I already do.

Carefully, I reach for the blanket draped over the back of the couch and draw it around her shoulders. A soft, contented sound leaves her as she presses nearer, her palm settling against my stomach while her fingers gather the fabric of my shirt.

I keep her against me, clinging to the feeling of her while I still can.

Later, I’ll figure out how to let her go. Right now, I just want to hold her a little while longer.

THORA

I jolt awake with strong arms wrapped around me, and it takes me a few seconds to remember where I am and who’s beside me. When I stare up, his mouth curves faintly.

“Privet.”

“Hi.” I stretch my arms, turning shy at the thought of falling asleep on him. “How long have I been out?”

“Two hours.”

“What?” I push myself upright so fast the blanket slips down.

He covered me with a blanket? That’s so damn sweet.

“Geez, I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I don’t know. I abandoned you, for starters.”

His knuckles sweep across my chin. “It was worth it.”

Heat rushes through me as his attention grows more intense, his lips parting like there’s something else he wants to say.

“What is it?”

He sits up, careful with his arm, and the blanket falls between us like a line he’s already decided not to cross again. “I’m not good for you, Thora. Look what almost happened to you.”

The words send a sharp pain through my chest. “But I’m fine.”

“You might not be next time.”

“I’m a Whitlock. There’s always danger coming from somewhere.” I swallow around the ache building in my throat. “Being with you doesn’t scare me.”

His jaw flexes. “It should. And I don’t know the first thing about a relationship. I would only keep hurting you.”

“Well, you’re hurting me right now.” I try not to break in front of him, but it takes everything I have to keep my voice steady.

“It’s for the best.”

The throb in my heart intensifies as bitterness feeds into the pain. “Funny, because you seem to be the one who can’t let me go.”

His eyes drop to my mouth, then sharply lift. One small tug draws me nearer, and I should fight him, but I’ve never been strong enough against Anton. His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin with such tenderness, my eyes sting.

“You make it difficult. I’ve never been this weak.”

A tear rolls down my face, followed by another, as the last of my composure gives way beneath his touch. His palm remains against my cheek long enough for me to think he might change his mind. That he might choose me over the fear that keeps dragging him backward.