“I know,” he said.
She looked up, startled.
He held her gaze, something fierce and sincere in his eyes.
“I wouldn’t want to change that,” he told her.
She blinked, not expecting that.
“You don’t?”she asked softly.
“No,” he said.“The world needs people like you.Even when it makes things messy.”
Her throat tightened.She hadn’t realized how much she’d been bracing for judgment.For him to tell her she was reckless, foolish, naïve.
Instead, he saw her.The moment stretched, thick with unspoken things.She was suddenly acutely aware of how close they were, of the heat of him, of the memory of his mouth on hers the night before.
Her pulse skidded.
Reaper seemed to feel it too.His gaze dropped to her lips and then snapped back up, restraint written in every line of him.
“Come on,” he said gruffly.“You need rest.”
Inside the clubhouse, the noise washed over them.There was music and laughter.The low thrum of engines being worked on outside.Heads turned as they entered, curiosity sparking and then dimming when they saw who she was with.
Reaper settled his hand at the small of her back, firm and warm.It sent a shiver straight through her, because somehow it felt right.He led her upstairs, away from the noise, to the quiet corridor where the rooms were.He stopped outside hers, hand lingering for a beat longer than necessary.
“You okay?”he asked.
She nodded, though the truth was more complicated than that.“I think so,” she said.
He hesitated, clearly torn.Then he stepped back, giving her space even though it looked like it cost him something.
“If you need anything,” he said, voice low, “I’m right next door.”
“I know.”
She watched him walk away, his broad back disappearing down the hall.Only when his door clicked shut behind him did she let herself lean against the wall, heart racing.
She pressed her fingers to her lips, remembering the heat of his kiss, the way he’d looked at her when he said he wouldn’t want to change who she was.
Elena almost turned back.Instead, she lifted her hand and knocked.The door opened immediately, like he’d been standing on the other side the whole time.
“What?”Reaper demanded, sharp and automatic.
Then he actually looked at her.
The edge softened from his face, replaced by something darker.Surprise, yes, but threaded with heat and something dangerously close to relief.
“You okay?”he asked, his voice lower now.
“Nothing’s wrong,” she said.
He waited, silent and patient.
She took a breath.
“I just ...wanted to know if you’d like to come to my room.Talk a little.Maybe have a drink,” she blurted.
