Page 212 of Puck Me Back to Life

“I'm an innocent victim.”

“Of course.”

“I've been working very hard.”

For a second neither of us speaks. Then I let the teasing slip away. “And I miss you.”

The words come out much quieter than everything else. Ash's expression changes instantly.

The amusement remains but something softer settles underneath it.

He closes his eyes briefly. “Oh, baby.” His hand finally reaches up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You could've just said that.”

“I tried.”

“No.” A smile tugs at his mouth. “You declared war on my organizational system.”

“It got your attention.”

“It certainly did.” Without another word, his arms slide around my waist.

I let out a startled laugh as my feet leave the floor. “Ash.”

“What?”

“I thought I was in trouble.”

“You are.”

“Oh.”

He presses a quick kiss against my temple. “But I'm also very proud of you.”

“For what?”

“For coming back to me.”

My chest tightens.

I wrap my arms around his shoulders automatically. “I wasn't very far.”

“I know.”

He carries me down the hallway toward the bedroom. “I'm still collecting that apology.”

He nudges the bedroom door shut behind us with his foot.

20

Ash

Kai is about to get a lot more than he bargained for.

I toss the prince onto my bed, watching him scramble frantically to sit. He was grinding my gears, especially tonight, but I thought he just wasn't using his brain after a tough therapy session. But it turns out my boy was playing the brat to get me irritated enough to punish him.

Smart.

I guess I have been a little too gentle with him lately. My own fears of losing him suffocated my desire for him. But no longer.