A smile cracks. A wide one, followed by an incredulous laugh.
It’s my turn to scowl. “Talk to me.”
“Oh my God.” She’s never blushed as hard before. “No, no. I can’t say it.”
Confusion settles in as she ducks her head, presses her forehead to my chest, and hugs me tight.
“Okay, now you have to tell me.” I cup the back of her head, stroking the silky locks.
“No.”
“Either you do, or you can forget about orgasms for the next month.”Yeah, right.
“You’re the worst,” she whispers, adding, “I was embarrassed because I, um, it gives me butterflies. When you offer to kill someone for me, even Barclay. The answer is no; I don’t want Barclay dead. But you’re hot.”
“Ah.” I try to suppress the smirk tugging at my lips. Fail. Even when she’s evil, she’s adorable. “You want your knight in shining armor to slay your enemies as a concept.”
“Not my knight.” She tips her chin up, and I meet her dark gaze. Get lost in it. “My king.”
I could stay here forever. Joke, laugh, and watch Elowyn blush from her neck up to her cheeks.
I probably would, after I say what she needs to hear. To know.
“If anyone ever threatens you.” I slide my hands to her cheeks, leaning in close. “Have no doubt, Elowyn—I won’t hesitate. Won’t wait for them to strike first. I’ll slash their throats, burn them alive. Do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Every fucking time.”
Desire paints her face a deep red, quickening her breath.
“Yes, that’s definitely hot,” she groans, then rises on her tiptoes to kiss my chin. My lips. “Really hot.”
A knock at the door cuts me off before I can bend Elowyn over and take her right here.
“Yes.” On impulse, I turn to block the view of my half-naked woman from whoever it is and add, “Elowyn’s here with me.”
“Mr. Rourke, Miss Montgomery.” Mary’s head appears through the crack in the door, her gaze glued to the floor in case we’re not decent, I suppose. “We have your…package.”
Woof!
“Duncan?” Elowyn’s hands dig into my waist. I can sense her peeking from behind me. “Is that what I think it is? Is that a dog?”
My eyes squeeze shut. There goes my surprise.
“I’ll be right back.” I turn to steal another kiss, then stalk to the door and accept the leash from Mary. “Thank you.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “He’s as cute as he’s wild. Or, maybe he’s excited to see you again. Or to meet Miss Montgomery.”
The little pup’s wagging tail and impatient yips aren’t really about Elowyn or me. It’s got to be the new place. That and probably the treats and toys Mary and Herbert brought along when they picked him up from the vet.
I don’t tell any of that to Mary. She seems pleased with the idea that the dog and us have an instant connection, and well, so do I.
The little guy barks, then jumps on me. He doesn’t get very high up my leg, barely reaching my thigh.
He’s smaller than a retriever but built like one. Broad yet small paws. Tiny ears that are a little too floppy. And these soft brown eyes. They warm my heart down to my core. He’s perfect.
Elowyn’s going to love him.
“Hello to you too.” I rub the golden mutt behind his ear and tell Mary, “Thank Herbert for me.”
“Will do.” With one last loving gaze at the dog, she leaves us.
