Page 20 of Fury
"Better?" he murmurs into my hair.
"Much," I whisper, relaxing into his embrace. The solid presence of him, the scent of his skin, the gentle stroke of his hand along my spine, all of it combines to create a cocoon of safety I haven't felt in months.
"I'll keep you safe, Livie," he promises, his lips brushing my forehead. "No one will hurt you while I'm breathing."
I believe him. Despite the danger lurking beyond these walls, despite the newness of whatever this is between us, I trust him completely. It should terrify me, this instant, bone-deep certainty. Instead, it feels like coming home.
"Greyson?" I tilt my head back to look at him.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you. For everything."
His eyes, so blue even in the darkness, search mine. "You don't need to thank me."
"I know. But I want to."
His hand comes up to cup my cheek, thumb tracing the curve of my lower lip. "There are other ways to show gratitude." His voice drops to an octave that sends shivers down my spine.
"Like what?" I ask, though we both know the answer.
Instead of replying, he lowers his head, capturing my lips in a kiss that starts gentle but quickly ignites into something more desperate. His tongue traces the seam of my mouth, seeking entrance that I eagerly grant. I melt against him, my hands exploring the broad expanse of his chest, tracing the contours of muscle and the intricate patterns of his tattoos.
Greyson groans against my mouth, rolling so that I'm beneath him, his weight supported on his forearms. He breaks the kiss to look down at me, his expression a mix of desire and restraint.
"We should stop," he whispers, though everything in his body language contradicts his words. "This isn't why I brought you here."
I reach up to trace the strong line of his jaw. "I know."
His eyes search mine, looking for any sign of hesitation or fear. "I want you, Livie. More than I've ever wanted anyone. But not like this and not when you're scared. Not when you're staying here because you need protection."
The tenderness in his voice makes my heart swell. I slide my fingers into his hair, pulling him down until our foreheads touch.
"Just hold me tonight," I whisper. "That's all I need right now."
Relief and admiration flash across his features. He presses a gentle kiss to my lips before shifting to lie beside me, gathering me against his chest. One strong arm curves around my waist, the other cradles my head, his fingers gently stroking my hair.
"Sleep," he murmurs. "I've got you."
In the safety of his embrace, the tension finally drains from my body. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear lulls me into slumber, more effective than any lullaby. My last conscious thought is how perfectly we fit together, like pieces of a puzzle finally finding their match.
"Sweet dreams, Livie," he whispers, his lips brushing my temple as I drift off.
Chapter
Four
Livie
I wake slowly, awareness returning in stages, first the warmth surrounding me, then the weight across my body, and finally the steady sound of breathing near my ear. Sunlight streams through the windows, painting the room in golden light. I blink, momentarily disoriented until memories of the previous night flood back.
Greyson is sprawled half on top of me, one muscular thigh thrown over mine, his arm a heavy band across my waist, his face buried in my neck. His breath tickles my skin with each exhale, and I can feel the solid wall of his chest pressed against my side.
I lie still, savoring the moment and the delicious weight of him. In sleep, his face has lost the hard edges of the MC president, revealing the younger, more vulnerable man beneath. His dark lashes rest against his cheeks, his mouth slightly parted, hair tousled from sleep.
As if sensing my scrutiny, his eyes flutter open, blue and disoriented for a moment before focusing on my face. A slow smile spreads across his lips.
"Morning," he rumbles, voice rough with sleep. He makes no move to disentangle himself from me.
