Page 86 of Grulen

“I’ll never abuse that trust,ciebala.”

“I know.”

Tenderly, he played with her hair, marveling at how soft and silky it felt.He listened as her breathing leveled and soft snores reverberated against his pecs.Thank you, Goddess, for watching over her.Please let her find lasting peace in her soul.

Chapter 24

MorningsunlightwokeMorganfrom the most restful sleep she could remember.Her face lay smooshed against Grulen’s warm pecs and his heart beat steadily.Her head rose with his rhythmic slow breaths.His tail held her securely around her waist and her right leg over his thigh remained as when she first fell asleep.His left leg bent to trap her right ankle between his legs was the main difference.His right arm rested on her shoulders with his fingers tangled in her hair, while his left hand held her right one on his chest.

I trust him.When I had the panic attack last night because of his position over me, instinctively, I didn’t move far from him.I trusted him to help me.

Even now in sleep he’s protecting me and keeping me safe.

Her mind stalled at the thought.Is that all of what’s drawing me to him?That sense of safety and protection when I’ve been through so much?

His heart thrummed soothingly against her ear.No.He’s thoughtful, kind, honorable, and is sexier than any male I’ve ever seen.He makes me laugh, and he patiently holds me when I cry.He makes me believe I’m stronger than I am.I want his words and company.The safety and protection are bonuses not the main reasons.

Relieved that she wasn’t unconsciously using a good male for understandable, but wrong reasons, she blew out a breath.His fingers tightened, then loosened to comb lightly through her hair.She lifted her head and rested her chin on top of their clasped hands.

“Good morning.”She tilted her mouth downwards to kiss his knuckles before returning to look at him.

“Good morn,ciebala.Did you sleep well?”Brown eyes affectionately smiled at her.

“Better than I have in a long time, thanks to you.”

“Having you in my arms during the quiet hours soothed me as well.”He has a beautiful way with words.

“I’m glad.”

“Come closer and let me kiss you properly.”His deep rumble under her breasts sent quivers through her nipples.

“As you command.”She flashed him a cheeky grin before scooting upwards to peck him on the lips.

“Not good enough,” he growled.The arm around her shoulders tugged her closer as his tail tightened to keep her in place.His gaze dropped to her lips.“Now, allow me to express my affection in minute detail.”

Be still my heart.

Her eyelids closed as his lips lovingly smoothed over hers.Low purring sounds tickled against her breasts.She opened her mouth when he licked the seam of her lips.Their tongues lazily danced in perfect counterpoint.A contented sigh gathered in her chest and escaped when they broke for air.

“Much better,” he said.

“I’m glad you approve.”She caressed his face.“Do we have plans for today?”

“Not yet.Is there something you’d like to do?”

“Nothing specific.I’m happy to spend a quiet day here with you.”

“I like that idea.This is the first time we’ve been truly alone.”

“I…” she broke off when his comm chimed.She giggled at his exaggerated frown.He answered in audio only mode.

“Jevax.”

“Jevax, this is Healer Rivezt.There are some more people hoping to meet you and Morgan today.”

“What time and where?”

“Two hours and we’ll come to you.”

---