My jaw tightens. The thought of Magnus this close to the mountain sends a surge of protective anger through me. I want to go. I want to look that bastard in the eyes and make sure he understands exactly what will happen if he comes anywhere near Sadie. But I glance back toward the bedroom where she still sleeps, and the decision settles heavy in my chest.
“I’m staying,” I tell Silas. “She needs someone here. I won’t leave her alone.”
Silas nods, no judgment in his expression. “Smart. We’ll radio if we find anything. Keep the gates locked and eyes open.”
He turns and heads back toward the lodge where the others are already gathering. I close the door and lock it, then stand for a moment in the main room, fists clenched at my sides. Magnus being this close changes nothing about how I feel for Sadie, but it sharpens everything. I’ll keep her safe. No matter what.
I walk back to the bedroom and find Sadie awake, sitting up against the pillows, quilt pulled to her chest. Her eyes are wide with concern.
“Was that Silas?” she asks.
I sit on the edge of the bed and brush a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah. They have a lead on Magnus. He and some of his men might already be in Timber Creek. Greta, a waitress at the diner, saw strangers asking questions. Silas, Harlan, and Boyd are going down to check it out.”
Fear flashes across her face. I take her hand and squeeze it gently.
“I’m staying right here with you,” I say. “I wanted to go, wanted to look that man in the eyes and make sure he knows he’ll never touch you again. But I won’t leave you alone. Not even for a minute.”
She searches my face, then nods slowly. Some of the tension leaves her shoulders. “Thank you.”
I lean in and kiss her forehead. “You never have to thank me for that.”
The worry still lingers in her eyes, but underneath it I see something warmer, something that matches the heat building in my own body. I slide my hand along her jaw and tilt her face up to mine.
“You know what would help take your mind off things?” I ask, voice dropping lower.
She bites her lip, a small smile tugging at the corners. “What?”
I grin and tug the quilt down just enough to expose her shoulder. “Let me show you.”
I kiss her then, slow at first, letting the heat build naturally. She sighs into my mouth and threads her fingers into my hair, pulling me closer. The kiss turns deeper, tongues sliding together, and I feel her body respond, softening and arching toward me.
I pull back just enough to look at her. “You’re so damn beautiful in the morning. All sleepy and warm and mine.”
She laughs softly, cheeks flushing. “Flattery this early?”
“It’s not flattery if it’s true.” I kiss along her jaw, down to her neck, nipping lightly at the sensitive spot that always makesher gasp. “And right now I’m thinking about how good you felt last night. How tight and wet you were for me. How pretty you sounded when you came on my cock.”
Her breath catches. “Thorne…”
I slide my hand under the quilt and cup her breast, thumb brushing the nipple until it tightens. “Tell me, baby girl. Are you already wet for me again?”
She nods, biting her lip harder. I slip my fingers lower, between her thighs, and find her slick and ready. I groan against her neck.
“Fuck, you’re soaked. Such a greedy little pussy. Already dripping for Daddy before we even get started.”
The dirty words make her moan and rock against my hand. I circle her clit slowly, teasing, while I kiss her deeply again. She reaches for the hem of my shirt and tugs it up. I help her pull it off, then shove my jeans down and kick them away. When I settle between her thighs, my cock hard and heavy against her, she wraps her legs around me.
“Please,” she whispers.
I grin down at her. “Please what? Use your words, baby girl. Tell Daddy exactly what you want.”
She flushes deeper but meets my eyes. “I want you inside me. Now.”
“Good girl.” I push into her in one smooth thrust, burying myself to the hilt. We both groan at the perfect fit. She’s still a little sore, so I start slow, rolling my hips in deep, deliberate strokes.
“Feel that?” I murmur against her ear. “Feel how deep I am? This pussy was made for me. So tight and hot and perfect. I could fuck you all day and never get tired of it.”
She moans louder, nails digging into my shoulders. I pick up the pace, thrusting harder, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the room. I reach between us and rub her clit in firm circles.
