I grimace as I spot the bandage on the outside of his arm from where Igrazedhim with that bullet. If that had been Blade, he would have beaten the ever-loving shit out of me.
“With that being said, I’m not going to let you suffer needlessly,” Patrick says. “I told Mal to come up as soon as he’s done assembling the playhouse. In the meantime, you’re stuck with me, sweetheart.”
I lie back down on my side, trying not to stare at Patrick’s chest. Out of the three men, he has the most cut physique.
Not to mention the tattoos.
And that fucking cocky swagger.
The universe has to be punishing me for something. I’m about to beg him to fuck me, and then he’ll never let me forget it.
My eyes squeeze shut, but he pulls his belt free of his belt loops—I can tell based on the sounds.
His hand feels cool against my shoulder as he gives me a gentle shove onto my back.
My eyes pop open as my heart races.
The sexy little smile he flashes as he crawls onto the edge of the bed makes goose bumps erupt on my skin.
That’s ridiculous.
He plants his hands on either side of my head as his knee comes to rest between my thighs.
My lips part, and I’m sure he’s going to kiss me, but the fucker marks my cheeks with his pheromones and rolls over onto his back in the middle of the bed.
I stare at the ceiling with my mouth hanging open, and he pats my hip.
“Come here.” He doesn’t bark the command, but my body snaps into motion like he did.
My face lands against his bare chest, and he wraps his arm around my back. His skin feels so much cooler than mine that I should be alarmed. In reality, all I can focus on is sniffing out where his scent is strongest.
I’m only in my bra and panties, and he’s in his jeans and socks. It’s a more intimate position than I’ve been in with a man in years.
I follow my nose up his chest and climb right onto him, burying my face in his throat. An embarrassing cooing sound spills from my lips, and my face heats.
Cooing is a sound omegas make when they’re safe and content.
“Got any tips for how I can make myself purr?” he asks, sounding amused.
“Not a single one. I don’t possess that skill.” I plaster my lips closed to keep from licking his skin.
“I supposedly do, but I’ve never been able to figure it out.” His huge hand plasters to my lower back, and his calloused skin scratches over mine. “Breathe me in and try to get some rest. Mal should be up soon. That, or Cormac will check his phone and they’ll be fighting over who gets to take my place.”
I want to suggest that all three of them should cuddle me…preferably in a nest. I’m sure this house has one, but none of them have offered.
My nose stays in his neck, and I bring my hand to the side of my face.
“Can you cover us up, please?” I ask, trying to pretend like we’re in a safe, confined space. “The room is really big and open, and my senses are frazzled.”
“Shit. You’d think nature would realize burrowing and hiding under blankets actually raises someone’s temperature, but I know it’s an instinct thing.” His legs move around, and he kicks up the blanket, reaching down to grab it. He pulls it up, tucking it around my lower back.
I really want it covering my shoulders, but I’ll take what I can get. “Thanks.”
Patrick wraps his arms around me once more, bringing one hand to weave into my hair as he cradles my skull. The other hand splays over my lower back. “We need to think about Christmas gifts for Lucky. It’s coming up fast.” His chest sputters, and an underused purr starts in his chest. “Huh. I figured it out. Your pheromones helped. Back to Lucky. Got anything in mind?”
“I bought him a few gifts. I brought those with me. They’re one of the few things I packed,” I say, shivering. “I don’t understand how I can be so hot and freezing at the same time.”
“Fevers do weird shit, especially when they’re as high as yours is.” He continues brushing his fingers over my back. “How about a dog? Every little boy should have a puppy to follow him around. It’s a built-in best friend.”
