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Gage grabs her hips and grinds up against her. She lets out a husky moan and increases the pace, her breath coming out in pants. He lifts her a little higher and nibbles her hard nipple through her thin tank top, gently biting down then sucking the bud, leaving a wet mark on her shirt.
She throws her head back with her eyes closed as her moans of pleasure get louder. Gage begins to shake at the sudden rush that courses through him. He tries to tamper it, wanting this to be about her. He grinds his teeth at the feel of her lush curves in his hands and gives up a silent prayer of thanks when she stiffens and cries out her release.
He gathers her long hair in his hands and draws her close to his chest, his animal protesting that they did not mate.When she’s ready, buddy. His polar bear huffs but is satisfied that they met the needs of their mate.
Her breathing slows, and she looks down between them.
“You didn’t–?”
“This wasn’t about me,” he chuckles, then lifts her up and stands with her in his arms. “Let’s get you a hot soak in a tub and then to bed.”
“But?”
He shakes his head. “No buts, you’re exhausted, and you need your rest. Now, point me in the right direction.”
Lilly lays her head on his shoulder and points in the direction of her room. He turns and heads down the darkened hallway.
After drawing her a bath, Gage steps out while she soaks. He wanders back to the living room to give her privacy. Once there, he turns on a lamp and looks around and notes the door he ripped off the hinges in haste to get to Lilly. Her cottage is smaller than most that he has come across in Smith’s Farm so far. Like the others, the bungalow has an open concept, with the living-kitchen-dining combo being a theme he has seen from being at Matt’s and Brook’s houses for consultation.
The cream-coloured couch with pastel throw pillows blend nicely with the light touches of mauves she has throughout. He never really paid attention the last few times he was here when she was injured. His focus was solely on her and not his surroundings or her choice in home comforts.She’s a romantic at heart. A glass of whiskey is on the coffee table, so he takes it to the kitchen sink and rinses it out.
“He does dishes, too,” Lilly says.
Gage’s lips quirk, glancing toward her as she leans against the wall. “Sometimes.”
He moves to her, enjoying the pretty flush on her cheeks. Whether it's from the bath, desire, or both, he can’t tell until he looks into her eyes. Both.
Turning her with his hand on her arm, he guides her back to her room. “Off to bed, you go.”
She hesitates at the door. “Will you stay?”
“Of course.”
Lilly nods and removes her robe, another thin tank and plain cotton boyshorts covering her curves. She climbs into bed, then looks at him expectantly.
“I need to temporarily fix the door and shut off the lamp in the living room. I won’t be long.” He gives her a reassuring smile and leaves the room.
After Jerry-rigging the door to stay in place, he moves throughout the house and shuts off the lights. By the time he returns to the room, Lilly is fast asleep. He removes his shirt and jeans, leaving only his form-fitting boxers, and climbs into bed beside her.
She shifts in her sleep, her body curling into his, and he wraps his arms around her. Planting a soft kiss on her head, he inhales her citrus-scented hair and relaxes into the mattress. He would protect her from her nightmares from now on.
For Gage, sleep is a long time coming as he lays there thinking of all of the ways in which he wants to repay Vance for what he did to his mate.
Chapter sixteen
Lillyblinksawake,thefaint light from the morning sun filtering in through the window. Relief washes over her that she slept through the night without the nightmares that have been haunting her since her return.
She turns to her side to find Gage is still sound asleep beside her. A small smile plays on her lips as she takes in the sight of him, his chest rising and falling with each breath.
She can't help but let her gaze wander over his upper body, lingering on the intricate tattoo that covers his left arm and part of his chest. The ink stands out against his skin, the dark lines and swirling patterns almost coming alive in the dim light.
As if sensing her voyeurism, Gage stirs, his eyes fluttering open and settling on Lilly with a lazy smile on his face.
"Good morning," he says in a voice husky with sleep.
A blush creeps up her cheeks as he catches her checking him out. She quickly averts her gaze, looking down at the sheets.
"Sorry," she mumbles. "I was just… admiring your tattoo."
