Page 14 of Mitch

Chapter Six

Mitch liftedhis hand and knocked briskly on Autumn’s door before dropping his hand to his side. Last night when he’d gone over to her place he’d had no intention of kissing her, not a thought in his head about following through on his fantasies, but he’d learned so much about her in the time he’d been there. That knowledge had changed everything for him.

She was a fucking phenomenal mother—strong and fierce yet so damn sweet she made his teeth ache. Her body was sinful, and every movement she made, no matter how innocent, screamed sensuality. Autumn was sexier than any stripper could ever hope to be in those tiny cotton shorts she’d had on. Her long muscular legs ended in a curvy ass he’d wanted to grab onto with both hands while he kissed the fear from her eyes. Autumn’s temper when he’d bossed her around had been to blame he’d reasoned when he got back to his own apartment. It was that fire that tipped him over the edge so he couldn’t hold back from kissing her.

Women with spirit were a personal weakness for him. He had no use for meek and mild, he didn’t want a woman who’d break, he wanted a warrior and most especially when they looked like Autumn did. She was beautiful no doubt, but the way she’d looked at Maggie had awakened something Mitch hadn’t known about himself. Her love for her child was primal, and he knew she’d die for Maggie in a heartbeat. It had him wanting to know her secrets, to find out what she was running from.

Mitch had been a copper a long time, it had taken him until he was almost twenty to drag himself completely away from the gang mentality he’d grown up with. Even after his mum had moved away, he’d been a pain in her ass, getting into trouble for petty crimes. Only the kindness from one detective had changed his outlook, that same man had gone on to become his step-father, and he’d always be thankful for Tony and the role he’d played in his life.

Now his role with Eidolon allowed him access to situations where people were at their most vulnerable, and he tried to do the same, to be that man for others. He’d seen the cautious look, had noticed the extra locks on the door and windows, ones he hadn’t installed, and it caused questions to worm through him. Who was she running from and why?

As he’d stepped into a cold shower at four am, it had struck him that he wanted her in his bed, but he also liked her in his life. In what capacity he didn’t know yet, but he intended to find out, and in the meantime, he’d do whatever he could to get her to open up so he could protect her and that began with a fucking bed.

The door swung back, and he was greeted with a small smile from Autumn, a flicker of pleasure in her eyes as they roved over him quickly. Maggie was in her arms and looking much happier than she had last night.

“Morning, honey.” He stepped through as she paced into the living room, bending to grab a toy from the floor and giving him a cracking view of her ass.

She stood and spun, catching him looking, giving him a glare which lacked any heat at all. Mitch grinned back unrepentantly, lifting a brow in challenge. Him looking at her was something she’d have to get used to because he planned on doing it a lot more.

Autumn dropped her gaze first as he’d known she would, and he tucked his hands in his pockets as he took in the shadows under her beautiful, expressive eyes.

“This isn’t necessary, you know. I’m sure you have much better things to do than take me bed shopping.”

Mitch crossed his arms. “Nope.”

Autumn huffed, shaking her head, and turned, thrusting Maggie at him. Mitch automatically took her, bringing Maggie to his chest as Autumn left the room. He’d literally been left holding the baby. His eyes lowered to the child who was looking at him as she babbled nonsense words. Her little arms were waving wildly before she smacked him in the face with a wet, slobbery hand.

“Hey, hold up, champ.” He took her delicate hand in his as she wrapped her fingers around his thumb and tried to shove it in her mouth. “You don’t want to be doing that, gorgeous.” He chuckled as he resisted and distracted her by tickling her belly.

“Here, try this.” Autumn walked from the bedroom wearing a denim jacket over a burgundy maxi dress and converse trainers, passing him a coloured set of plastic shapes. He handed them to Maggie, who took them and shook them wildly before gnawing on them.

“Thanks, thought I might lose a digit for a sec there.”

Autumn was standing beside him, and he looked down at her as her scent enveloped him. He’d been able to smell her scent all night and to say it was distracting was an understatement, and yet he wanted more.

“You ready to go?”

Mitch nodded. “If you are.”

Autumn took Maggie from him, grabbing her large changing bag, keys, phone, and wallet. He watched her check the locks on the windows before she followed him to the door, locking up and double-checking it was secure.

She offered him a self-conscious grin. “Sorry, I’m a little OCD about safety.”

Mitch tipped his head, pursing his lips. “That’s a good thing. I’m the same myself.”

“You are?” Taking the pram from under the stairs, Mitch lifted it and folded it flat.

“I am. Being in the force and seeing the things I have makes you extra cautious. We’re taking my car.” He nodded at the pram as she watched him.

“Oh, I don’t have a rain cover and it looks like the weather could turn.”

He saw the flicker of disappointment cross her face before she hid it, the look gave him hope and almost made him smile, but he fought it.

“No problem, I already borrowed one until you can sort one out.”

“How? When?”

“My friend Nate lives a few doors down. His little girl Nancy isn’t using this one and we can use it until you get your own.”