Thank you, my old friend. I’ll praise your next outlandish idea without pointing out any of the inherent flaws.
You will not be able to prevent yourself from doing that, Marcus. And I must admit, you averted several potential problems tonight because of your preparations.
Marcus nodded. Human nature was often predictable. Unfortunately, their creativity did pose a problem at times.Bram? Send me everything you can find out about my mate. I want to make sure she’s safe and happy.
Women don’t like being investigated,Bram warned.
You’ve already done the work.Marcus knew their tech expert too well to expect anything else. A download of information sped into his mind. Marcus digested it slowly as he watched her sleep in his arms. He enjoyed learning more about her. His mate fascinated him.
Carina’s phone buzzed, and she stirred against him. “Marcus?” she mumbled, wiping the corner of her mouth before flashing instantly awake. “Oh, my God! I drooled on you. I’m so sorry.”
Delighted by her, Marcus smiled down at her. “I’m not. Everything is fine, Carina. Your body needed to recover. I enjoyed holding you.”
“I didn’t dream all this, did I? You can speak in my mind? And….” She waved a hand over herself.
He could hear the tinge of panic in her words. “This is real, Little girl. I promise you are safe here.”
A message from Saya that Karla was on the way meant his explanations would have to wait. His protective instincts kicked into overdrive. He quickly arranged for her safeguarding. Watching her leave would be the hardest thing he’d ever done.
As if sensing his thoughts weren’t focused on her, Carina asked, “Are you going to disappear?”
“Never.”
“Never?” she squeaked.
“No, Carina. You are mine.”
“I’m not a possession,” she said, bristling.
“No, you’re my mate. I believe Karla texted you. Let’s get your clothes back on before she knocks on the door,” Marcus suggested to distract her.
“Oh!” Carina struggled to sit up.
Keeping himself from smiling, Marcus lifted Carina to her feet. He followed her when she rushed over to her clothes and plucked the items from her hands. Within a short time, he had her redressed in everything but her panties.
Marcus lifted that scrap of cotton to his nose and inhaled deeply before tucking them in his pocket, He subtly shifted his rock-hard cock into a more comfortable position. Her mere presence aroused him. Touching his mate without taking her had tested his self-discipline.
“I need those,” she gasped.
“They belong to me now.”
“Marcus, I can’t walk through the crowd without underwear.”
“Karla will never know if you don’t twirl,” he suggested, and she stomped her foot. He couldn’t prevent the grin that spread across his lips. Adorable.
“Or fall down. Or hit a breeze. Or lean over.”
“How many times have any of those things happened in the last month?” Marcus asked, pulling her close.
She pursed her lips and stared at him. After several seconds, she admitted, “None.”
“Let’s avoid them tonight. I need your scent with me.” He lifted his hand to his nose and inhaled. “I will have to wash my hands, eventually.”
Her beautiful face turned an enchanting shade of pink. “Marcus!”
“Daddy.”
Her skin darkened a bit redder with embarrassment, to his delight.
