Page 23 of Shielded By My Mate

“Oh. About the men?”

“Yeah.” He nods, watching my face.

“I know that I said it yesterday, but thank you for saving my life. Again.”

All the tension seems to leave Ansel, as if my words have lifted a weight from his shoulders. “Always, Mira. I’ll always be there for you.”

“I know,” I admit, standing from the couch and walking closer to him.

I stop in front of him, shivering at the electricity that skates along my skin. I can feel his body heat and smell his cedar and honey scent.

“Ansel,” I pant.

He tenses. “I should go,” he says, but he makes no move to leave.

I step closer, closing the distance between us until my body is pressed flush against his.

“Fuck,” he grunts.

I look up at him, my eyes meeting his golden ones.

In the next instant, we’re crashing together.

His hands cup my face, and he growls as his lips mold against mine. All I can hear is my heart beating out of control as I kiss him back. It’s like all the pent-up energy inside me finally has somewhere to go. I kiss him harder, pressing my body against his. I can’t seem to get close enough to him.

“Please,” I beg, grinding my hips against his.

“Fuck, mate,” he snarls. “You have no idea how⁠—”

I want to cry as he’s cut off by a knock at the door.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Ansel begs.

“Like what?”

“Like I just broke your heart.”

“I need you,” I whisper.

He looks torn. “I need you too, Mira. Tonight. Just a few more hours. We can wait until then.”

“Speak for yourself,” I grumble.

He laughs, his expression easing.

The knock comes again, and he takes a deep breath before he turns and pulls the door open.

“Hey!” Ever says, smiling wide when she sees me.

“It’s good to see you again,” I tell her honestly as she hugs me.

“Hey,” Russo says, nodding at me as he waits on the porch.

I wave. “Hey, Russo.”

“Right, so we’ll be back in an hour or so,” Ansel says, his gaze locked on me.

“Call if you need anything, Ever,” Russo adds.