Page 29 of Her Nightshade

“Ay, dios mío,” I muttered, pausing mid-motion. I’d explicitly told Charlie I wasn’t ready for others to know about us. And yet, he’d gone and confessed it anyway.

“What?” Sloane asked, picking up on my irritation.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Charlie was suddenly walking into the kitchen, carrying a stack of plates. His gaze locked with mine for a moment, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, but he moved on, heading towards the sink.

“I’ll go get ready,” Sloane said quickly and disappeared down the hall.

I crossed my arms as Charlie rinsed a plate, casting a sidelong glance over his shoulder. His jaw was clenched and his shoulders looked tense.

“You’re not ready for anything serious? You’re unsure where this is headed?” he muttered, his voice clipped with anger, his eyes now fixed on the sink.

I inhaled sharply, caught off guard. “You were eavesdropping?”

“Yeah. Glad I did, too. Good to know I’m still being strung along here, even after you said you loved me. Or was that just a lie? Has everything you’ve said to me been a lie?” He slammed the plate down, turning off the faucet abruptly, his chest heaving as he finally faced me.

My heart plummeted and tears pricked the corners of my eyes. “No, Charlie. Idolove you. But I asked you to keep this between us for now, and you didn’t. I’m not ready for everyone to know yet.”

“Why not? Are you embarrassed to be with me?” His stance mirrored mine, his expression a storm of hurt and frustration.

I took a steadying breath, searching for the right words. “No! It’s because…because I’m notsupposedto need anyone, Charlie. I’m not supposed to be so deeply in love like this, especially so fast, and it feels…it feels so out of control, and I’m scared.” A single tear slipped down my cheek as I held his gaze.

The hard lines of his face softened, his breathing evening out as he looked at me with quiet understanding.

“I’m never going to hurt you,mi diosa. You’re safe with me, even if this feels like we’re jumping out of a moving vehicle,” he whispered, taking a step closer. His voice softened, carrying a steadiness that clashed with the intensity in his eyes. “I know that feeling because that’s exactly what this is like for me too.”

He took another step and I could feel the heat radiating from him as he continued. “I’m never going to leave, and my feelings for you…they’re never going to fade. This feeling…it’s the biggest rush and the scariest thing I’ve ever known.” He paused, taking my hands. “I just need to know you feel it too, that you’re in this with me, and that you won’t walk away just because it scares you.”

I shook my head. “I already told you—I’m yours, Charlie. Just because I’m scared, it doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere.” My voice softened as I added, “But I need you to respect my boundaries. I need to feel like I can trust you.”

He nodded earnestly. “You can trust me, I promise.” A sudden hint of regret crossed his face. “I’m sorry. I know my impulsiveness and passion get the best of me sometimes. But I’ll work on it. I’ll try harder,mi diosa.”

He gently cupped my face in his hands, his lips brushing softly against mine, igniting that familiar heat low in my belly. But before I got swept into another round of our intense lovemaking, I broke the kiss, resting my hands on his solid biceps.

“Sloane and I are having a little outing today. Just the two of us. Will you be alright?” I asked cautiously.

A hint of hesitation crossed his face as he stepped back. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? With all the media chaos we’ve been dealing with lately?”

A sudden doubt crept in but I shook my head, trying to project confidence. “We’ll be fine. Miles will trail behind us.”

Charlie’s jaw clenched, his green eyes darkening with frustration. “Why can’tIprotect you? You don’t need Miles anymore,” he muttered bitterly.

I let out a soft laugh to ease the tension. “This is Miles’ job, baby. I know you’re more than capable of keeping me safe.”

Charlie’s gaze flicked toward the hallway and mine followed, catching sight of Callan casually passing by the kitchen.

“He’snot going, is he?” Charlie asked with irritation as he glanced back at me.

“No, just me and Sloane. You can stay here if you’d like,” I offered gently.

He sighed, his stance softening. “No, I should head home for a bit. My plants could use some watering,” he added with a playful smirk, the tension finally easing.

An idea sparked and I looked at him with a smile. “Why don’t we all meet at your place for dinner? I’d love for them to see your beautiful home.”

Charlie’s dimples popped as he put his hands around my waist, his hips closing in on mine.

“I have to wait until dinner to see you?” he murmured, his charming grin making me melt as his hard cock pressed insistently against my stomach, teasing me.

Another idea popped into my head. I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a whisper, conscious of Callan just outside the kitchen.

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