Page 11 of Her Courage

"What he said," I agreed with a laugh and pointed at Andrei.

Seeing the change in my Russian best friend over the last three months had been nothing short of a miracle. As if being with Lottie and being around her weren't enough, she'd made us all better men. She changed our lives for the better with each second of the day.

"Agreed, but still. Thanks." Kaleb let out a sigh and his eyes drifted shut. He'd had the weight of the world on his shoulders for so long that seeing him let down his guard and relax was a welcome sight.

"Now we just have to figure out how to get rid of the Wicked Witch of the West," I muttered, referring to Kaleb's bitch of a mother. "I'm not one to talk bad about anyone's mom, but Jesus Christ, she is a piece of work."

"I really don't want to talk about her right now." Kaleb opened one eye and conveyed that the subject was closed for the night.

"Got it."

Andrei and I would just have to work out a plan on our own.

"I'm going to work on some research for a few hours until Lottie wakes up. I have a few articles are due for a peer review at the end of the month." I rose and padded across the room, not bothering to put my shirt back on. "Come grab me then."

"I'm going to catch up on some emails." Andrei hopped off the bed and joined me by the door.

We both glanced back at Kaleb and Lottie curled together in the center of the bed. He clasped me on the shoulder, and we left, shutting the door softly behind us.

Chapter Eight

LOTTIE

Iwiggled, reaching my arm out and seeking an escape from the heat surrounding me. Why was I so hot?

And why was I so hot when I was naked?

Slowly, the events of the day replayed in my head and I stifled a groan.

Yep, that would explain the slight ache between my legs.

"I can practically feel how hard you're thinking, baby girl," Kaleb muttered and pressed his lips against my forehead.

"You're really really hot." I snorted. "I mean temperature wise. I mean, you're attractive hot too, but I just was referring to⁠—"

"Shh," he cooed and pressed a finger to my lips. "I knew what you meant. Let's go jump in the shower and cool you down."

"I believe there was some mention of a nice bath too?" I rose into a sitting position and trailed my gaze over Kaleb's bare chest. The blankets pooled around his hips and I resisted the urge to lean down and kiss along the lines of his hipbones.

"I think we can arrange that." He wrapped a hand around the back of my neck and pulled me down to meet him halfway to a kiss. "Now quit looking at me like that or I'll take you for round two."

My brows rose. "I wouldn't object to that."

"Gotta give Andrei and Kaleb their turn." With smooth movements, he rolled out of bed and grinned down at me.

He hadn't put any clothes on either, so I took in every inch of skin.

Which meant I zeroed in on his rapidly rising cock.

"Up, missy." He clapped his hands and suddenly I wanted to feel his palms spanking me.

"I can arrange that if you don't get moving."

"Damn it." I should have been rendered speechless, but apparently I'd seen his dick too many times now to be completely rendered dumb.

"I'm glad I don't make you speechless, because your mind is a brilliant and fascinating place." He chuckled as I scrambled from the bed, not nearly as graceful as he was.

"You get used to it after a while."