Page 101 of Claimed
Onyx
Caine sleeps soundly beside me, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with his soft breath. His silky hair is still damp at his temples. And my fingers ache to brush the strands back. More than that are the scars he bears. The slim lines over his torso that are a soft pearl to his crème skin.
They appear old. Many years distant. But each one takes my heart and smashes it into little sharp pieces.
Every time he has taken me, I have not felt them. Have not seen them. Only now, when he is defenseless, are they visible.
How much has he suffered? How much torment has he endured?
Now he would risk more for me? For the cases?
I watch him for several long minutes before I slip from the bed, my heart in my throat.
I know his worry. His fear. I felt it as he took me with a desperation he has never shown. With a tenderness that made my chest ache and my eyes burn until I had to shut them tight.
He will stay in Miami. Go rogue to get the cases and buy my freedom.
And I can’t allow that.
It was my deal. My arrogant decision to exchange years of my life, of my service, to Azz. Now it is my turn to fix it all.
I grab my discarded suit and tug it on before donning Caine’s shirt over top. His scent permeates the fabric and it soothes some of the pain. Some of my tension despite knowing this is the only way. I scour the space for my belt, my weapons. But I don’t see them anywhere. It may also be too noticeable to take them. But I miss the weight of my blades, the familiarity.
My soft shoes are by the door. I shove my feet in them and open the panel.
The guys look up as I exit. Glancing at Horan’s open door, I catch sight of several sleeping females.
I force a smile I don’t feel as I peer around. “Sorry,” I chuckle. “Guess everyone was exhausted.”
Tanner smirks. “Did you finally wear him out?”
“Probably not,” I admit. “But I’m going to go grab my stuff while he’s out. Can’t keep wearing his clothes.”
Ruin shifts near the bar. “Want us to give you a lift?” he asks as Gage glances up from his laptop.
“I’m capable of taking care of myself, remember?” I tease. “And Miami has lots of cabs.”
The captain’s dark eyes glint. “Good point.”
“Besides, my hotel isn’t that far. I’ll grab my bags and be back before he wakes up.”
“So you’re coming back with us?” Tanner asks, sitting forward. “To Lock Lake?”
Don’t cry, Onyx. Don’t cry.
My smile tries to slip. I force it wider. “That’s the plan.”
God, I wish it was. I wish I could.
He pumps his fist. “Sweet.”
Ruin points at him. “True, track? Caine has never gone this long without being a dick. I’m enjoying it while I can.”
My heart tries to shrivel. “If he does get his hot ass up before I get back, tell him not to worry, okay?”
T inclines his head. “Will do. But hurry back. I’m with Ruin on all this. He’s less of a pain with you around.”
Smiling so wide I fear my face will break, I wave a little and slip out the door.
