I’m pressed against his chest. My leg is thrown over his thigh. My hand is splayed over his heart.
Not sure how I got here, but it’s all pretty wonderful.
Sometime during the night, I apparently decided to climb this orc like some kind of green-skinned jungle gym. Did I do this in my sleep? Did I literally koala-cling to him while unconscious?
I should definitely move.
But I don’t.
Instead, I take inventory. His arm is wrapped around my waist, holding me tight against him. His other hand rests on my hip, fingers splayed possessively. His chin is tucked against the top of my head.
I’m surrounded by him and it feels...perfect.
And pressed against my stomach is?—
Oh.
Is that...?
My face flames. That’s definitely an erection. A very large, very hard erection pressed right against my stomach through the thin fabric of his sleep pants. I knew orcs were big. I’ve done... research.
Don’t look down. Don’t you dare look down.
I look down.
Those sleep pants hide nothing. The outline of him is... impressive. Mouth-watering? Is that a word I’m allowed to use? Because that’s definitely the word that comes to mind.
My thighs clench involuntarily.
Okay. Okay. He’s asleep. This is just a biological response. Morning wood. Totally normal. Nothing to do with me. ExceptI can feel his nose buried in my hair. Feel him breathing me in even in sleep. And the way he’s holding me isn’t casual. It’s possessive, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he loosens his grip.
I should move wake him up and create some distance before this gets awkward.
Instead, I do something stupid.
I press my lips against his chest. Just once, to see what his skin tastes like.
A rumble vibrates through his chest. A growl, low and pleased.
I freeze. Oops.
“Sloane.” His voice is rough with sleep.
I look up. His dark eyes are open, watching me. Heated.
“Good morning,” I whisper, my face flaming. “I, um. I don’t know how I ended up... I mean, I didn’t mean to...”
“You were having a nightmare. I pulled you close. You settled.”
“Oh.” I should move now. I definitely should. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His arm tightens around me. He makes no move to let go.
The moment stretches. His erection is still pressed against me. Neither of us mentions it.
“Sloane.” His voice is serious now. “I need to tell you something.”
“Okay...” My heart pounds.
