She looks at me, the same wrecked, gone expression I know is written all over me.
I drag in a breath. Battling for control.
“This…isn’t why I carried you out of there.”
Her fingers curl in my shirt again, but I don’t let myself fall back in when she tugs me toward her. I push myself up, forcing space between us. Willow watches me, her lips parting as if she’s going to argue, but I shake my head as I find my feet.
Not now.
Not like this.
Even if every part of me is still screaming to go back to her. To take what she’s offering. To claim her as my own.
I shove a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. She deserves more than this. More than me losing my head.
I meet her blue eyes again, my voice rough as gravel.
“Get some rest, princess.”
Two sets of eyes pin me in place when I enter the living room. I was so focused I neglected the fact that Graham and Carson were here, waiting for us to return.
I swallow and run my palm over the back of my neck. I can smell myself. So I know they can too. Carson’s the first to break the silence, lips twitching, amusement laced with something more.
“Well. Look who finally cracked.”
I exhale sharply, rolling my shoulders. “Drop it.”
Carson lets out a low whistle, crossing his arms as he leans against the arm of the couch. “Oh no, big guy. I’m enjoying this.” His hazel eyes flick toward the hall, toward her, before snapping back to me. “So tell me, was it before or after you carried her through the streets like some fairytale hero that you decided to kiss her again?”
My jaw ticks.
Carson’s smirk widens.Fucking asshole.
Graham’s not amused. He steps forward, slow and measured, displeasure radiating off of him in waves.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
I meet his glare head-on. “I was thinking she needed me.”
Graham scoffs, shaking his head. “She needs protection. Not you acting on whatever alpha instinct you think gives you the right to put your mouth on her.”
I don’t look away. I don’t back down. “It wasn’t like that.”
“Wasn’t it?” Graham snaps. His nostrils flare as he inhales, picking up every damn thing still clinging to me. His voice drops, a blade sliding between my ribs. “Because from where I’m standing, it sure as hell smells like you almost claimed something that isn’t yours.”
A muscle in my jaw jumps.
“Yet, you didn’t come in there to put a stop to it,” I point out.
Carson hums. “That’s a good point, Graham. Maybe it’s time we start asking ourselves some real questions.”
Graham’s expression darkens. “Like if we’re still the right ones for this job.”
The words hit me hard, stealing my breath from my lungs.
I step forward before I even realize it. “You’re not seriously considering?—”
“Turning her care over to someone who isn’t compromised?” Graham cuts me off. “We’re all too close to this, Hunter. You just proved it. We all proved it by letting it happen.”
