I nod as I take her in. Even with the bruise on her cheekbone, she’s fucking gorgeous. Her long blonde hair hanging down to her elbows, piercing blue eyes on mine, full of concern and full lips soft as a feather—breathtaking.
“Yeah. I’m okay, Tesoro. It’s been a long month, and I’m tired but okay.”
She stares at my lap, and I know what she wants.
“Come here.”
After undoing her seatbelt, she climbs onto my lap and places her hands around my neck, settling her fingers into my hair at the nape of my neck.
“Knox.” She breathes against my neck, her soft breath washing over my skin.
“How’s your back feeling?”
Lifting her head, she kisses me softly.
“Better. It still hurts, but not as badly. I’m tougher than I look. You don’t have to worry about me.”
I slide my hand into her hair gently and hold my palm against her cheek.
“I know how tough you are, Tesoro. That is never in question, but I will always worry about you. We both will. Do you not belong to us?”
She glances at Carter before her gaze comes back to mine.
“I do. Well, I want to, but-“
I flash her a stern look.
“Don’t overthink it. Answer the question honestly.”
Her eyes fill with unshed tears, and she speaks low, her voice filled with emotion.
“I am yours—both of yours, and you are mine.”
Sliding my hand to her neck, I cradle it while moving my thumb over her skin as her eyes flutter and she exhales another warm breath skating over my flesh.
“Good girl. You are ours, and that means we will worry about you and take care of you.” Rubbing my thumb over her bottom lip, I ask, “Understood?”
A soft whimper escapes her lips.
“Yes.”
“Good. Now lie down and get some rest. I’m sure you haven’t been sleeping well. It’s a long drive.”
Heather settles against my chest, and I keep my hand on her ass, avoiding her back. She feels so good in my arms as she falls asleep. It should bring me peace, but my anger spikes at Killian for nearly taking this from me. Having her back in my arms, I’m sure about my feelings for her.
I’m in love with this woman.
Carter grins at me as if he can read my mind.
“It’s easy with her. If you didn’t love her, there’d be something wrong with you. Only an idiot wouldn’t fall for her.”
I glance up at Killian, and he grips the steering wheel hard. I expect him to yell or say something in anger, but he doesn’t. Leaning down, I kiss Heather on the top of her head before sitting back and closing my eyes.
I wasn’t kidding when I said I was tired. I’ve been going out of my mind for weeks worrying about Heather and Carter both, but now that they are safe, I let my mind quiet and drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
KILLIAN
