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Cage turns then, his eyes territorial as they take me in. The vibrant green dress matches my irises and perfectly showcases my baby bump. My hair is twisted up in curls on top of my head, and my makeup is minimal because of how young my freckles make me look, and the heroine inAlignis only nineteen.
“Lord, he’s just eating you right up,” Annelise whispers behind me, using her hand to fan my over-heated face.
Splaying one palm across my belly, his gaze follows, and before I can catch a breath, he’s twisting a hand around my neck, dragging my body into his, and capturing my lips in a kiss that has my heart ready to explode.
My body tingles everywhere, ready to do his bidding. From the moment our lips touch, he wrests control, devouring me completely, swallowing every breath I dare to take. Consuming my thoughts and having me wish that we were alone.
* * *
Cage
Tyler stopped getting so handsy with both Magnolia and Joss after I threatened to remove them from his body. Now, as things are about to wrap up, he’s relaxed some but keeps his distance.
I spent all afternoon watching Magnolia interact with readers from all over the place. I was surprised to learn some flew in from other countries just to attend. Tables were busy all day, with no one having more than a few minutes in between readers. I imagine this is what is considered a successful event.
Joss sold out of books and began taking orders to sign and ship as soon as she got home, and even had to place a new order. I notice the same thing happening with quite a few other authors as well. Magnolia, however, is worn out. She kept swaying while chatting with anyone who stopped by, so I forced her to sit down.
Leaning over to Joss—whom I like immensely, not only because she’s kind, but because she’s spent the last few months taking care of my girl and helping her navigate her pregnancy—I ask, “How long until this after-party thing?”
Checking her watch, she replies, “About three hours. Take our girl up to her room; there’s nothing else for her to do down here. She needs to hydrate and rest.”
I couldn’t agree more. “Text me when you’re finished, and I’ll come help haul this up to your room.” She smiles gratefully.
“Thank you, Cage. I will.”
“Come here, pet.” I scoop her up in my arms and carry her out, watching as women regard us as we pass, some looking a little envious but planting smiles on their faces. At the bank of elevators, I realize Magnolia has already passed out. Her head rests on my shoulder, and her body is thoroughly relaxed in my hold.
Stepping on, a few faces I recognize board with us, each of them openly gawking. I imagine Magnolia is used to this. I’m not. Fighting not to scowl is difficult.
“I can tell you want to snap at us, but let me tell you how rare of a sight this is.” I raise an eyebrow in question. “Reading about a man as possessive as you appear to be and meeting one who actually is, are very different things. Real men can’t seem to find the balance between being loving and controlling.”Ah, that I understand.
“She’s worth more than anything to me,” I respond.
“Good. I may have only met her for the first time today, but as soon as the cover forAlignwas revealed, Magnolia became a valuable and uplifting presence in our book community. She’s always had a kind word for everyone she interacts with.” Staring down at my precious pet, I’m not at all surprised.
“Thank you. I’m certain she’ll be pleased to hear that.” I nod as their floor approaches.
“If you happen to do a gender reveal or something, us fans would love to take part with a live feed.” The woman winks at me, and she and her friends are gone. None of what she just said makes a lick of sense to me, but I suspect Magnolia or Joss will have a clue.
The remainder of the ride passes by quietly; the soft ding on our floor doesn’t even cause Magnolia to stir. Slipping the key card that Joss gave me from my pocket, I’m quick to enter their room and lock the door behind us.
Magnolia’s bed is the one by the window. I can tell this because it’s mussed up and appears well slept in. Placing her on the cool sheets, I make quick work of removing the shoes I noticed bothering her early on and rub her feet down.
Carefully, I pull the pins from her hair, wanting her to avoid a headache later. Unzipping the side of her dress, I suck in a sharp breath as her plump breasts become exposed to me. Oh, the wicked, wild, dirty things I’d like to do to them. They’ve grown since I last saw her.
Leaning forward, I suck a puckered nipple into my mouth, flicking it with my tongue. Needing to taste her.Christ, I’ve fucking missed this woman. Massaging the globes as I pull back, I watch her sleep like a fucking stalker, but I can’t stop. This is my woman. She’s been mine since she clung to me in that schoolhouse, begging me not to let her go.
“Cage.” She breathes my name without waking up. Drawing the outfit the rest of the way off, she’s left in nothing but the tiny matching green thong encircling her hips. Kicking off my boots, I tug my shirt over my head and slide my denims down my legs before crawling into the bed behind her.
Sliding a hand across her belly, I cup the small bump there, holding her slight body to me, amazed at this woman. She’s giving me something I would never have dreamed of.
“I’ve got you now, pet. Never letting you go,” I whisper in her ear. Kissing along her throat, she rolls back into me, cuddling in as I watch her sleep, and I have to wonder when the last time was that she felt safe enough to slumber so hard.
Curling my hulking body around her petite one, I lay my hands on her belly.A baby.I would never have imagined that. I wonder if she’s felt the peanut move yet. She’s so tiny, and the bump is quite pronounced; surely, she must have.
Growing up in the wilds of South Africa with parents that rapidly moved from one spot to another, thus having little time to settle, I am out of my element here. My parents never raised me; the animals, the trees, and Mother Nature did. I was as feral as a jungle cat until the village we were living in was slaughtered one night while a few friends and I were stalking lions.
When we returned in the morning, having gotten the photos of the pride and their cubs we wanted, blood was splattered everywhere. Bodies were torn apart; huts were burning. The medical tent where my parents had been treating the people of the village went from stark white to crimson with the slaughter. No one was left untouched.
