Page 18 of Devil’s Candy

I shake my head. “I’m not sure sleeping is a good idea. What if…”

“No what ifs.” And then he steps away, stripping off his own clothes and stepping into the tiny shower with me.

He picks me up again and moves me to the back of the shower as he steps in and scrubs himself with surgical precision.

Then I’m back in the water for a second wash down. Did he get more blood on me? I lean into his chest anyway.

I just watched this man kill two people like it was…nothing. “You know that night we met in Vegas?”

“Yeah.”

“When you said something about killing Vinnie…”

“You know what I am thanks to Angel, don’t you?”

I nod against his chest. If there had been any doubt, everything that’s happened confirms everything Angel said. “Are you going to kill me?”

His brows lift. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” I lean back on his chest. I’m not even sure I care. I’m tired of fighting. He gathers me closer.

“First, we are going to get some sleep.”

“Okay.”

“And then we’re going to figure out how we keep you away from any more danger.” He turns the water off.

Grabbing my towel, he towels me off and then himself.

Both of us naked, he carries me to my bed and then settles me under the covers before he slides in next to me. I don’t hesitate as I curl into him, my head coming to his chest.

His hand wraps around me as he gathers me closer. “Sleep now, milaya, knowing that I’m here and that no one will hurt you as long as you’re at my side.”

I sigh out my contentment and then slip into sleep, my body exhausted and my mind apparently at his command.

I wake with a jerk, my apartment filled with light.

I’m alone in the bed, and I instantly sit up, attempting to understand what was real and what was a dream. “You’re awake.”

My gaze swings to Sver, sitting in my one chair, fully dressed and completely groomed. I shove the hair out of my face. “What time is it?”

“One.”

“Shit.” I scrub my hands over my cheeks. “I’m supposed to be at work in an hour.”

“You’re not going.”

I blink at him and then realize I’m naked and the covers have fallen down to my waist. I yank them up over my chest even as I shake my head. “I have to go. Without the job I can’t afford to live here. I can barely make rent as it is and⁠—”

“Let me worry about that.”

My mouth drops open. What is even happening? “I really appreciate that, but you don’t owe me anything.”

“Not true, though I don’t want to explain now. Call in. Get yourself ready while I make breakfast. Coffee?”

“Yes, please,” I sigh out, caffeine sounding like the best idea ever.

“I’ll make it now. Need a shower?”