I jump back, startled, my hand flying to my chest. “You gave me a fright.”
He sits up slowly, raising onto his elbows. The sheet falls a little lower. The start of a smile plays at his lips.
“Were you watching me sleep?”
“No.” I shake my head way too quickly, lying through my teeth. “I was just…I was shocked to see you on the floor, that’s all. I thought you’d left and I…um…”
His eyes drift down my body for just a second before snapping back to my face.
Shit.
I had forgotten that I’m in my underwear. How could I forget something like that?
Crap. Oh no.
I didn’t want to sleep naked, but I might as well be standing here completely naked. This set is white cotton. It’s comfortable and practical rather than sexy. He’ll think I’m a complete dork.
I quickly scramble over to the bed and dive under the covers, feeling intensely self-conscious. My boobs are way too big and a little droopy because…gravity. I’ll be thirty in a few months. I don’t have a flat stomach. My thighs are a little on the thick side. I never really cared much about any of it until right now.
If I’m honest, I could afford to lose a few pounds.
My only solace is that shifters don’t seem to care much about such things. Grim was so comfortable in his own skin yesterday, walking around completely naked like it was nothing. Then again, he does have the body of a god.
He gets up off the floor, the sheet firmly around his waist, and I can see that he’s about to leave.
I don’t want him to leave. For whatever reason, I hate the thought of it.
“You should just get back into bed,” I blurt out before I can think better of it. “You don’t have to go, and you shouldn’t have slept on the floor. It was sweet but unnecessary. There’s still time for us to sleep some more. We’re going to need it, since we have a busy day ahead.” I’m talking too much. I force myself to close my mouth.
He puts the pillow back on the bed, but shakes his head. “I’m going to head to my own bed, if that’s okay.”
I pat the comforter next to me. “Don’t be silly. We’re friends.” I snort-laugh, trying to hide how awkward I feel. “You didn’t need to sleep on the floor, and you can stay.”
“Thanks, Wren, but I should…” He uses his thumb to point behind him and starts to back away.
“I’m not going to bite, you know?” I make another silly joke and laugh again, sounding like a complete idiot.
What am I doing? I should just let him go.
“But I might.” Grim’s voice is low, rough. He’s looking down at me, his eyes dark, his jaw tight.
I’m taken aback. “Sorry…what?” I frown. Did I even hear him correctly? Surely not.
He sighs, rubs the back of his neck, and closes the distance, sitting on the edge of the bed. It isn’t lost on me that he’s putting as much space between us as possible.
I’m sitting, sheet clutched to my chest, and I can hardly breathe because of the way he’s looking at me.
“You heard me. I might bite, Wren.” He rubs a hand over his face. “I’m attracted to you. I can’t be in the same bed as you. I can’t sleep with you next to me. I’m sorry. I know that makes me an asshole, but it is what it is.”
I’m shocked to my core. It’s the last thing I expected. For a few moments, I just gape at him. Crap! My mouth has fallen open. I close it and lick my lips.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” I manage to say.
He chokes out a laugh. “Oh, I do. I have a lot to apologize for. I’ve had some seriously dirty fantasies involving you. I can’t seem to control my body when I’m around you, and it isn’t fair. Not after everything you’ve been through. I just…it’s…” He stands. “It’s better if I go now.”
“No.” I shake my head. There’s this throbbing between my legs. It’s my clit, but also something inside me. My nipples feel tight. Hearing him say all that hasn’t made me angry or made me see him in a bad light. It’s turned me on. Like a switch has been flicked inside me. Now all I can think about is Grim…inside me. I want him. I’ve never felt such a desperate need before.
“Yes.” His voice is strained. “It’s better if I leave. Trust me on this, Wren.”
