“I miss parts,” I say honestly, and he nods, listening to my every word, even if it hurts him. “It took me longer than it should have to realize our relationship had been mostly about him. And as reluctant as I was to admit it, seeing you again helped me see that. It made me remember the woman I used to be.”
“My queen?”
I roll my eyes, and he chuckles.
“You wouldn’t have had to wait for me to come back if you’d listened when Cade told you how selfish Nathan was. Over and over.”
“I never listen to Cade, and before you say anything, I wouldn’t have listened toyoueither. I had to figure it out for myself. Yourpresence gave me that strength. If you’d just told me, it would have been obvious you were jealous, with the way you’re fawning over me.”
“Ooh, she’s making jokes now.”
“Who’s joking? You just admitted it. Plus, you should see your loved-up doe eyes.”
“I don’t have doe eyes. I’m a fucking man.” As if to prove his point, he flexes his muscles and growls. “See… man.”
“Hmmm. Didn’t I tell you you’re not allowed to growl anymore?”
“Why? Does it get you all hot and bothered?”
“No.” I nervously scratch the back of my neck.
“No?” he questions, and I see the moment he decides he’s going to do something to test that theory.
With a soft rebuttal, I try to wriggle out of his arms, but it’s no use. He grabs my shoulders, flipping me onto my back. “How about now?” He leans in close, his mouth brushing against my neck before he growls in my ear.
My entire body shivers as goose bumps coat my skin.
“You’re right.” He stops. “That doesn’t get you hot and bothered at all.” He sits up and I instantly miss the weight of him on top of me. But before I can say anything,heyawns this time.
“So…I guess I’m sleeping on the armchair?” He moves to stand again until I curl my fingers around his wrist, holding him in place.
“Stay here. Please. I want you to stay here.” My heart races as he freezes, the playfulness gone as he stares down at me, his gaze shifting to the bed, clearly conflicted.
I almost tell him the armchair is fine. But it’s not fine. I want him here.
Taking a deep breath, I let my fingers drop to his hand and nervously give it a squeeze. “Please. I want you to sleep next to me.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Zane
Ican’t decide whether sleeping next to Blair is a dream or a nightmare, or a little of both, but there is no way in hell I’m walking away if she’s asking me not to. Especially after she whispered, “please,” peering up at me through thick lashes, her gaze begging me not to leave her.
As if she doesn’t know how much it kills me every time we say goodbye.
When I don’t immediately respond, Blair’s shoulders drop and she uses her adorable pout to make me feel guilty, reminding me of the playful spark I used to see, instead of the reserved woman she’s become.
I stare at her for a beat, mesmerized by the moment, and vow then and there that if it takes a lifetime, shewillfind herself again. I’ll make sure of it. Because at the very least, she deserves that.
“Well?” she asks, scrunching her nose.
“You know I can’t say no to you, B,” I tell her honestly, my response accompanied by a half laugh. “So yes, I’ll torture myself by sleeping next to you. All night long.”
“Torture yourself?”
Is she kidding me with that question?“Blair, we haveneverslept next to each other, and here you are in skimpy silk pajamas, having trusted me enough to bare your soul, and I’m expected to justsleepnext to you.”
“Do you want more?” She swallows nervously and I can’t help but smile. She’s got the wrong idea entirely.
