A tiny furrow forms between her dark brows. “From what?”
“Destroying you.” I lean down and press my lips against hers. My kiss is slow and sure, and I hope it conveys all the thoughts and feelings I haven’t been able to say. The things I might not ever be able to say.
Elated energy swells around us, so delicious it nearly takes my breath away. It vibrates over my skin, making my head swim, and she matches my movements as our tongues tangle together.
My cock throbs, but I ignore it. I'm not going to fuck her. Not now.
But I can give her this. My comfort, my reassurance.
When this is all over and she's in a better place, I won't hesitate to bury my cock inside her until she's a bruised, whimpering mess. I'll fill all her holes, consume every bit of her. Whatever she wants.
Warmth spreads through my chest like tendrils as I get lost in her, careful not to let my hands roam, despite how badly I want to trace every inch of her. I lose track of time, and she eventually settles into the crook of my arm with her head on my chest. I draw invisible shapes along her arm as we lay there, shocked by how content I am next to her.
I shouldn't want this.
This is the last thing I thought I needed.
But nothing has ever felt so right.
“Thank you. For everything,” she whispers, so softly I can barely hear it. Maybe she’s falling asleep, or maybe she just doesn’t want me to know how appreciative she is.
Either way, I have to fight a smile.
“Don’t mention it.” I’ll never live it down if she does.
“Oh, I’m telling everybody,” she yawns. “Everyone’s going to know what a sweetie pie you can be.”
“Ew.” I grimace. “Don’t ever say that again, sweetheart.”
She laughs softly. “God forbid anyone knows you’re capable of compassion.”
I chuckle, mainly because a burst of content energyaccompanies her snarky remark, and it’s such a relief to feel her aura on the mend. She isn’t completely drained and defeated like she was before. It’ll take a while for her to get back to normal, and it might get worse before it gets better, but I’ll help her again and again if I have to.
Even if she threatens to ruin my reputation of being a callous asshole.
Chapter 29
Joseline
The stolen hours I share with Tobias in my hotel room are heaven.
We nap on and off, snacking and watching movies in between, even though he hardly seems interested in the romcoms I choose. He doesn’t complain though. In fact, we don’t speak much at all, but I’m grateful for his presence. As much as I needed to get away from the tour bus for a bit, I don’t want to be alone.
For the first time in what feels like forever, my nerves have settled. I’m able to think clearly. I even take a few minutes to pack a duffel bag with my laptop, SD cards, and clothes for when we head back; that way, I won’t have to worry about falling even more behind on work. Then it’s back to sleeping, cocooned in the blanket and pressed up against Tobias’ rock-hard form.
I’m dreaming peacefully when he shakes me awake again—I’ve lost track of what number nap this is.
“Is it time for dinner?” I mutter as I pry my eyes open reluctantly. I’m still curled into the crook of his arm, the blanket pulled up beneath my chin.
“No, not dinner.” He’s texting someone, but the phone screen is just out of my view. “But we need to get up.”
“What is it? What’s wrong?” I say, looking up to find his eyes. His brows are pinched together, and my stomach drops.
“No, don’t do that,” he says hurriedly. “Don’t freak out. Nothing is wrong… but Niki’s in labor.”
I sit up so fast my head spins, adrenaline crashing through my veins.
“She’s in labor? You’re kidding. Shit!” I hiss, already scrambling over his body. “What do you mean don’t freak out? Why the hell does she always wait until I’m not there…”
