Page 34 of Anton

“Is that any way to lure a woman to your bed, Mr. DuPont?” she teased, though I caught the unease behind her sass.

“Behave. This is for body heat. It’s been a shit day, and we need rest,” I added, trying to sound more convincing than I felt.

“Shouldn’t one of us keep watch?” she asked.

“No, we gave them the slip for now. And I’m a light sleeper, I’ll hear if anyone approaches,” I reassured her, patting the space beside me again.

My Little Miss Sassy licked her lips, then bit the bottom one, and once again, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Her gaze flicked over me, a flash of lust in her eyes.

Dear God, stop looking at me like that, woman. I bit back a groan. This was going to be torture. My cock kicked, and I shifted my leg to hide the effect her words and actions had on me. Shit, this was going to take every ounce of my resolve.

She leaned closer, her breath just warm enough to send a shiver through me. “Is this a good idea?” she asked, her voice turning serious, a touch of uncertainty creeping in beneath the playful facade.

“Probably not,” I admitted, my voice rough, “but we’ve no choice.”

She hesitated.

“I promise not to take advantage of you if that’s what you’re worried about,” I teased.

“What a pity,” she mumbled.

She wanted me to?

The thought sent a thrill straight south, and I clamped my jaw against the moan threatening to escape. Despite her teasing—and the growing tension between us—I hadn’t thought she’d entertain the idea. Not here, not now, in the middle of this madness. Lord, she wasn’t making this easy.

“Not tonight, honey,” I smirked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Shit, why did I say that? It was like I couldn’t help myself, subconsciously pushing in an effort to force something I wasn’t ready for.

“Come on, honey. You’re cold.”

She huffed a laugh but lay down beside me, her back pressing against my chest. Her warmth hit me instantly, spreading through me like a soothing balm. I wrapped an arm around herwaist, pulling her closer, and wondered when the hell the pet name thing had taken root.

I wasn’t the type to use pet names. Never had been. With Elaine, it was always Elaine or Elle—nothing soft, nothing cutesy. I’d certainly never given her a secret name like I had my Little Miss Sassy. But with Marcie, it felt right. Intimate. Easy.

Her little bum shifted, rubbing against me, and I stiffened—every part of me. Shit. How was I going to get through the night? It would be so easy to just move aside the fabric of her…

She shivered again, dragging my thoughts back to reality before they slipped too far out of control. Drawing on all my training, I bolstered my resolve. This wasn’t about sex. This was about her—keeping her safe, protecting her. To do that, she needed to stay warm. I was used to discomfort, I could handle this.

“Better?” I murmured, adjusting my position slightly so she wouldn’t feel the evidence of my desire.

“Hmmm. Not the most comfortable bed you’ve got here, soldier boy,” she replied, “but at least you’re warm.”

She wriggled further into my arms, and I grunted softly. “Try to get some rest.”

But then she moved again, pressing her bum back against me. I sucked in a sharp breath as the contact sent a ripple of lust through me, tightening every muscle in its wake.

“Marcie,” I growled, low and rough, a warning woven into the single word.

“What?” she murmured, turning her head just enough to catch my eye, feigning an innocence that didn’t fool me for a second.

“Stop moving.” My voice came out harsher this time, the tension unmistakable.

“Good night, Anton,” she whispered, faint amusement curling at the edges of her tone.

“Good night,” I bit out, the strain in my words unmistakable. Her slight, almost imperceptible shaking told me she was laughing at my predicament. Definitely payback from earlier.

I shook my head, a smirk tugging at my lips. Sassy little madam.

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