He fell asleep.
At some point, Saint’s arm slipped beneath me. The other curled tight around my waist. My back is fully pressed to his chest, every inch of him solid heat behind me.
He’s wrapped around me like a shield.
God.
I didn’t know I could feel thissafe. Not with someone touching me. Not this close.
His chest rises and falls with each breath, slow and even. I can feel the heat of his skin through the blanket, the weight of hisarm holding me close. His palm has shifted to rest just under my ribs, fingers relaxed but firm. Protective even in sleep.
And then I feel it.
The subtle shift of his body against mine. The way he’s grown harder behind me.
Not intentional. Not aggressive. Just male biology and close contact.
Still, it hits me deep in my core.
Want.
My thighs squeeze together. I try not to move, but something in me stirs awake, something that’s been locked away too long.
I shift slightly, just enough to turn in his arms.
His breath hitches.
When I glance up, his eyes are open.
And locked on mine.
Neither of us speaks.
I’m not sure who moves first.
Maybe it’s me.
Maybe I’ve already decided.
My hand finds the edge of his jaw, rough with stubble. His gaze tracks every inch of my face like he’s memorizing it. Like maybe he already has.
Then I lean in and kiss him.
His lips meet mine with a tension I can feel everywhere. Heat unfurls fast and low. My fingers curl into his shirt. His hand tightens at my back.
We break the kiss slowly, breath shared, foreheads close.
“You keep playing with fire,” he says, voice gravel rough, “you’re gonna get burned.”
I meet his gaze, steady. “Then I’ll take that risk.”
His jaw flexes. His hand lifts to brush hair back from my face, the motion gentler than I expect from someone built like sin.
“You say that now. But once you’re mine, Nadia…” His voice dips, rougher now. “I don’t let go.”
My breath stutters, but I don’t back down. “If I’m yours… does that mean you’ll order me around?”
Something flashes in his eyes. He lifts his hand to cradle my cheek.
