My eyes almost bug out of my head at how easy he agrees. I feel like a douche for not giving my brother more credit. I cross the room, grabbing him into a manly hug. I slap him on the back. “Thanks, bro. I appreciate it.”
He pulls back, shoving me away with a grin. “She’s your girl. I want her to feel comfortable here.”
Pain splays across my chest with his words. I don’t know what we are anymore, but I can’t claim her as mine again. At least not yet. “She’s myfriend, Kent. There isn’t anything going on.”
“Yet.” He smirks. “I saw the way you two were looking at one another. I think I get it now.” I arch a brow. “She’s your person, and you are hers.”
My chest heaves as I stir the rice in the pot, turning the heat off. I glance over my shoulder at my brother. “Yeah. But it’s complicated.”
He bobs his head. “I see that.”
The screeching of a stool ends our conversation, and both our heads whip around to the gorgeous blonde sliding onto a stool at the counter. Selena’s cheeks flush a delicate shade of pink, and she lowers her eyes to the marble countertop.
“How was your bath?” I ask, removing three plates.
“Perfect,” she softly says, gracing me with a shy smile when she looks up. Her hair is damp at the ends, her face scrubbed clean of makeup, and she takes my breath away.
Like every time I look at her.
“I made a chicken stir-fry. I hope that’s okay?”
“Sounds good. Thank you.” She purposely avoids looking at Kent.
“Can I get you a beer or something else to drink?” Kent asks in a much gentler tone than he normally uses, and I shoot him a grateful look.
She looks up at him through hooded eyes, her cheeks flushing a little. “Just a water. I don’t drink alcohol.”
“No problem.” Kent grabs a water from the fridge, handing the bottle to her. “I’ll set the table,” he says, grabbing silverware and moving toward the small dining table behind us.
I lean my elbows on the counter, smiling at the love of my life. “I have a guy bringing a bag with your things. He should be here within the hour.” I glance at her torn jeans. “I can give you a pair of my shorts if you like?”
“I’m good. I can wait.”
Dinner is a quiet affair, but it’s not uncomfortable. After, Kent makes himself scarce, affording us privacy to watch a movie. I dim the lights and grab a blanket from my bedroom, and we curl up on the couch, me sitting with Selena’s head in my lap. Even though there is so much we still need to say, we don’t talk, and I’m okay with that. I’m content to have her snuggled into me, breathing the same air I breathe.
Her new bodyguards arrive a couple hours later, and they drop off her bags when making introductions. I take them aside in the hallway outside to explain her condition and ensure they know how best to help her if she has an anxiety attack. I want this to provide comfort and security, not add to her stress. I slip them a vial of lavender oil to keep in their car.
Selena has changed into cute pink and purple short pajamas when I return, and it takes colossal willpower not to stare at her slim legs or the taut peaks of her nipples, trying to poke a hole through her thin top. She lies back down on my lap, and I empty my mind of all horny thoughts, willing my semi to deflate.
A few minutes later, her breathing evens out and her arm drops to her side as she falls asleep.
I watch her like a bona fide creeper. Tracing every curve and dip on her face with my eyes. My gaze roams her long, lithe body under the blanket, and I make two silent vows to myself.
I will keep her safe.
And I’m going to make her mine again.
* * *
I carryher up the stairs, cradling her to my chest, my heart thumping wildly behind my rib cage, elated to have her in my arms again. I nudge the door of the guest bedroom aside, pleased I thought to turn down the covers earlier.
The second I place her down on the bed, she snakes her arms around my neck. Her eyes are still closed as she sleepily murmurs. “Not here. Your room.”
I falter for a second, unsure if she’s aware of what’s she saying. We have never slept the night beside one another, and I’m too weak in this moment to do the honorable thing. So, I lift her up again and pad to my bedroom, carefully placing her in my bed and tucking the comforter around her.
She reaches for me, and my heart soars. I press a featherlight kiss to the top of her head. “I’ll be right there. Go to sleep, baby.”
I get changed into a white T-shirt and pajama bottoms, take a piss, and brush my teeth so fast it’s worthy of an entry inThe Guinness Book of World Records.
