“I don’t like whatever is going on in your head over there.” Chris interrupts my manic thinking.
“You don’t even know what I’m thinking.”
“But you’re planning. I know you well enough to know that involves revenge in any way, shape, or form. Do not do whatever is in your head right now.”
“I could be thinking about fucking you,” I counter, going for shock and awe, hoping it distracts this man who apparently knows me better than I anticipated.
“You aren’t.”
“How would you know?”
“Because I know what your face looks like when you’re turned on. When you are thinking about kissing me and doing more.” He glances at me with an arched eyebrow.
“And you just know everything, correct?” My eyes roll at his insinuation, however correct it may be.
“Nova.” Chris sighs. “This is getting into dangerous territory. I won’t have you in a position to get hurt. We need to tread carefully, especially if your stubborn ass is going to continue to come along for the ride. You were only meant to send me a signal.”
“I understand that. I accept all the risks of my so-called stubbornness.”
“You’re going to get us both killed, aren’t you?” The exasperation in his voice is clear, making me chuckle.
“Not if I can help it, Chris. Not if I can help it.”
We talk about nothing after that. Nothing of substance at least. The sun is just starting to come up for the day, but I’m crashing fast. I’ve been up all day, worked a full shift, and then all this shit with the artifact and Cano. The hours these men keep might kill me before Cano does.
“You need sleep.” Chris’s words jolt me out of my wishful thinking.
“I don’t know how you do these hours,” I mutter.
“Not willingly. I’m getting too old to do it every day, though.” The gravel in his voice should not be as sexy as it is, yet here we are. “I just hope it’s over soon,” he whispers.
His words tickle my brain. How could it ever be over unless Cano kills one or both of us? Does Chris have another plan I’m not aware of? It would be smart honestly.
“Thank you for including me tonight. I know it went against all your secret good-heartedness.” I turn around and smile at him.
“I think I have a problem saying no to you.”
My smile grows. “I’m not sorry. Call me if you see more people delivering. I’ll be good to go.” I head toward the kitchen when his hand snags mine.
“Where do you think you’re going?” The huskiness in his voice begging me to cross lines.
“I’m not sure. A snack?”
“Bedroom.” The seriousness on his face takes me by surprise. “Please,” he adds. “You’re exhausted.”
God dammit, nothing about this feels casual or like I’m playing him.
“Lead the way,” I whisper.
Our hands gravitate toward each other. It’s a pull neither of us seem to have control over, but it somehow leads us to my bedroom. He stops us in front of the queen-sized bed that takes up most of my room and slides his hands up my arms to my waist. His thumbs hook under the hem of my shirt and slides it up and over my head. My hands follow his lead, sliding up his torso, under his shirt, and feeling all his muscles he hides as the fabric of his shirt slowly rises.
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay up for the good stuff,” I murmur, mesmerized by his body.
“No stuff tonight. Or morning, I suppose. Just sleep.” His hands move lower, hooking into my leggings and pushing them down.
“Naked sleep?” I smirk.
“The best kind.” Chris leans forward, brushing his nose against my cheek, as my panties follow the same path as my pants.
