“That was impressive,” Thor says as he crosses his arms over his chest. I blush, shrugging.
“Thanks, big guy.” I sigh, looking at all three of them. “You should probably keep your distance, just in case Apollo gets squirrelly.”
“Noted.”
“We need to talk. All of us. I want to explain.”
“I’ll get everyone food. Apollo, why don’t you go grab your laptop? The rest of you can go get dressed,” Thor offers. Apollo looks a little bummed that Thor isn’t going to leave the other Alpha unattended.
“For what it’s worth,” I say as I pat his shoulder on my way past him. “I’m glad we didn’t have to cover up your murder. You look heavy.”
“You are a very frightening woman.” Hudson sighs, shaking his head at me when he sees my grin.
“Awe, such a sweet talker,” I tease.
“He seems more turned on than frightened,” Beau whispers, taking my hand in his as we head for the bedroom.
“He just likes his women a little scary.”
“I don’t think you’re scary or frightening. You’re like sunshine and joy. Every time I’m close to you, I feel it.” He taps his fingertips to his chest. “Of course, the silk nightgown might fucking end me. That’s the most lethal thing I’ve seen all morning.”
“Tease.” I blush, tipping my chin, but when we reach the room we’re supposed to be sharing, Beau stops me.
“I’m not teasing. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and this slip of fabric is actively destroying my remaining brain cells.” He huffs a laugh, cupping my cheek with one hand. His other rests dangerously on my hip.
Oh hell. What am I doing? This is supposed to be a job. I can’t get attached. I can’t like Beau for real.
Tell that to my body. I want to rub myself all over him just to mark him with my scent so all those Alphas out there see the claim. Fuck. This is not the behavior of a professional.
“Thank you.” I barely manage to force the words out before stepping away from the insanely attractive man.
Thank fuck I can’t smell his scent. I just know it would rewire my brain.
Chapter Eleven
DREAM
“Beau.” I wait for a second before pushing it open and peeking inside. The Omega is at the sink, brushing his teeth, flashing too much skin for my brain to handle. He didn’t know I’d be coming in here to bug him. Otherwise, I’d think this was a setup.
I got dressed, but it seems Beau is happy to wear sweatpants AND no shirt. The hard V dipping below his waistband is just asking for attention. I spot a small bundle of fabric, so hopefully, for the sake of my ovaries, he’s planning to wear those after brushing.
“Is everything okay?” he asks as he dries his hands on a towel, and I breathe deeply out of habit as I try to get a hint of his scent. All that reaches me is chemicals. I’m half relieved and half irritated.
It’s for the best. You’re already struggling not to lick his abs without all the added hormones.
“Yeah, it’s just that…” I can’t help but glance at the tub and the small couch pillow he left behind.
“I was hoping no one would notice.” He sighs, dropping his gaze to his hands. “I got used to sleeping in the tub as a kid. It was safer.” He adds quietly, shrugging. “I stopped for a while, but when I get really anxious, or it feels like my dad has his hands around my throat again, it’s like a siren call. I can’t resist. It’s comforting. Better than a bed.”
Oh, Beau. Sweet, sweet Beau…
“It’s your nest,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. Nests are supposed to be comforting, but…an empty tub? No pillows or blankets. No soothing scents, no happy feelings of joy, just the memories of hiding in a small safe place while danger lurked.
“What?” His eyes go wide, head snapping to the empty white plastic.
“Your instincts took over, leading you to comfort, even if you didn’t know why. All this,” I nod to the door, "seeing Apollo again, your dad showing up, nearly catching him. Hudson getting dropped in our laps. It was too much, and you needed the safety of a nest.”
“But…” He squints. “I’ve seen nests, and that is not a nest.” Beau points to the empty tub, frowning when he faces me again. “I’ve never… I mean, it’s hardly a peaceful sleep. It’s hard and cold, and I have all these nightmares…it’s just that it feels less awful than a bed sometimes.”
