“What?”
“Stay tonight?” The question is barely a whisper. “Just to sleep. I just... I sleep better when you’re close.”
My bear rumbles approval, but I force myself to think clearly. “Are you sure?”
“Please.”
“Okay. But we should talk about boundaries. I don’t want to take advantage.”
She silences me with a soft kiss. It’s meant to be quick and reassuring, but the moment our lips meet, seven days of separation explodes between us. She makes a small sound of need, her hands fisting in my shirt, and I’m lost.
I crush her against me, devouring her mouth like a starving man. She tastes like home, like safety, like everything I’ve been missing. My bear roars with satisfaction as she climbs into my lap, her body fitting against mine like she was made for me.
“Billy,” she gasps when we break for air.
Reality crashes back. She’s vulnerable. Traumatized. I can’t do this.
“We should stop,” I manage, though every cell in my body protests.
She nods, breathing hard. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I just…”
“Don’t apologize.” I rest my forehead against hers. “I want you so much, I can barely think straight. But not like this. Not when you’re dealing with so much.”
She slides off my lap, and we sit there, catching our breath.
“Still want me to stay?” I ask.
“More than ever,” she admits. “But maybe we should establish some boundaries.”
Twenty minutes later, we’re in her bed with a careful line of pillows dividing the mattress. It’s ridiculous. We both know it, but it’s necessary.
“This is very mature of us,” Carla says, her voice muffled by her pillow.
“Very,” I agree, trying not to think about how easy it would be to sweep the barriers aside.
“Goodnight, Billy.”
“Goodnight, Carla.”
I lie awake listening to her breathing even out, finally peaceful. My bear settles, content to have our mate close, even with pillows between us. This isn’t everything we want, but it’s enough for now.
Tomorrow, we’ll figure out more. Tonight, she’s safe, and I’m here to guard her sleep.
It’s enough.
CHAPTER 11
CARLA
Iwake slowly, more rested than I’ve been in a week. There’s a warm, solid presence at my back, an arm draped possessively over my waist.
Billy.
The pillow barrier we’d carefully constructed last night is gone, kicked to the floor sometime in our sleep. My wolf purrs contentedly, finally where she wants to be. I’m pressed against him completely, my back to his chest, and I can feel... everything.
Including the very prominent evidence of his morning arousal pressed against my backside.
Heat floods through me, pooling low in my belly.
