Page 87 of Freeing Lark

“Everything.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Then her temple. “Keeping me alive.” Another kiss. He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “For jumping into that river.”

She frowned. “You’re still mad about that.”

“Terrified.” He kissed her forehead again. “There’s a difference.”

“Why terrified?”

“Makes me wonder what else you’d do for those you care about.”

“Anything,” she confessed.

“And that’s what terrifies me.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Get some sleep,” he murmured.

“So should you.”

“I will.” He pulled her a little closer. She settled against him without hesitation.

And as exhaustion dragged him under again, Hoot found himself thinking something he’d never expected to think about anyone. He could get used to this. Waking up with Lark in his arms. Falling asleep with her there. Having someone waiting for him at the end of the day.

The thought should have scared him. Instead, it felt dangerously close to the first glimpse of something he’d never believed he needed.

Home.

CHAPTER 28

Lark woke slowly. Something warm brushed her forehead. Then her temple. Then the corner of her mouth. Her eyes fluttered open. Cormac.

He was watching her with an expression that made her heart stumble. “Morning,” he murmured.

“Is it? Morning? I have no idea what time or even what day it is.”

The vibrations of his chuckle resonate through her, a sensation that traveled from her chest and extends all the way to her toes. She shivered, and he kissed her again. This time, just beside her lips.

Lark’s breath caught. “Cormac...”

“What?”

“You know you’re supposed to be resting.”

“I am.”

“You’re kissing me.”

“That can be done while resting.”

She laughed softly. Then he kissed her properly. It was slower than their first kiss, probably because his shoulder wouldn’t allow anything else. But somehow that made it worse. Better. More intimate.

His hand slid carefully around her waist. Lark settled closer, mindful of his injury. His mouth moved against hers, warm and unhurried, and every nerve in her body seemed to wake up at once.

She touched his cheek. His beard scratched pleasantly against her palm. When he pulled back, his blue eyes were darker than she’d ever seen them.

“You’re trouble,” he murmured.

“You knew that.”

“Yeah.” He kissed her again. “And apparently, I like trouble.”