Page 38 of Riot

She puts her hands on her hips. “Who says I’m fussing? Maybe I’m just comfortable in my home.”

I grin. “Well, I like hearin’ that, babe. But you haven’t said two words to me since we left Faux Paws.”

“Sometimes being out in the world is hard.” Damn. Her honesty hits me in the chest each and every time.

“Yeah, babe. It is. I’m sorry you had to see that, but the important thing is Cookie is gonna be okay thanks to you and your listenin’ ears.”

“So you don’t resent him even though he cock blocked you?”

I move toward her. “I’m here, ain’t I?”

She huffs a laugh. “I’m sure a sleepover wasn’t exactly what you had planned.”

I rub my chin. Maybe now isn’t a good time to tell her, then again, what if I fall asleep and then wake up in one of my panic attacks?

“Babe?”

As if sensing the change in me, she stiffens. “Yeah?”

I let out a long breath. “I’ve never slept with anyone before.”

It takes a second for that to kick in. “You’re not a virgin though?”

I chuckle. Her sweet innocence lightens the mood. “Nope. But what I meant wassleep.Not sex.”

“Oh.” She bites her lip, then, “Oh.”

“It’s not that I’m a total asshole. It’s just…”Breathe, asshat. Just get it out.“I’ve always been a bad sleeper since I was a kid, and sometimes… sometimes I have really bad dreams… night terrors… it can get a little crazy.”

Her pretty lips purse and every cell in my body is alive with whatever she’s going to say next. Of course, my angel isn’t gonna say or do anything bad or mock me. That’s not her nature, but opening up like this feels surprisingly comforting. I’ve never told another living soul.

“And you’re worried that might happen if you fall asleep here? Would it make it easier if we went to your place.”

Would it make it easier if we went to my place?

Is she for real? She’d come with me to sleep at mine if that made me feel better?

“Did you fall down from Heaven just for me?” I blurt out.

Her smile finally reaches her eyes. “Far from it. But I can be there for you, too… if you need it.”

I pull her to me, her breath quickening. “I need it.” I wrap my arms around her. “But we can stay here. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re sure?”

I kiss her nose. “Yes. But you’re adorable for offerin’.”

“Hey, I can be resourceful, too.”

I move my mouth to her lips and kiss her gently. “I’m very aware of that. I seem to remember you wearin’ combat gear in Mississippi.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. “Maybe I’ll wear it for you sometime.”

I swallow hard. My dick agrees with that sentiment. “I’ll hold you to that.” I kiss her again. “I can make the tea, if you’d like to have a shower?”

She strokes her thumb over my cheek. “I might need to freshen up a little. Are you sure you’ll be okay here?” She glances at the mugs.

I laugh. “I’m pretty sure I can pour hot water into a mug, babe. Tea bag in or out?”

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