Page 17 of His Reward
Wait, that might not be a good idea.I tense with fresh dread, remembering my earlier worry.
“What if the intruder comes back after you’re gone?”
“I thought about that.”He pauses.“I can stay the night.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
My words are hollow, tears of relief stinging my eyes.Hell yes I want him to stay the night.His calm presence has been a huge support and comfort tonight.I never have to be afraid of anything if he’s around.
He steps closer and rubs my arms in reassurance.
“I want to, sweetheart.I want to make sure you’re safe, and that you’re not scared being here by yourself.”
It’s the second time he called mesweetheart, and it warms my insides.I like it even more than when he said I’m important to him.
Oh my god.
Am I developing a crush on him?
No.No.That’s so messed up because he’s not just my dad’s closest friend, we have a close relationship too.My brain can’t handle it and immediately rejects the idea.
“That’s really sweet of you, Mal.”
I hug him, beyond grateful for his offer to stay the night.He coils his arms around me and holds me close.
His heartbeat thuds steadily against my ear, his chest rising and falling with his even breathing.He’s capability and strength, his embrace promising protection from every awful thing in the world.
It’s how I felt when he scooped me up into his arms and carried me out of that burning basement many years ago.It’s a little different this time.I’m an adult woman now, and I’m aware of things I wasn’t when I was younger.
Like the impressive breadth of Malcolm’s chest, his hard body in contrast to my softness, and his personal scent that’s more enticing than the cologne he wore last night.
Without thinking, I tilt my face and press it closer to his neck, breathing him in.He goes still and my face burns.
Oh, no.
It’s true, even though I don’t want to accept it.Idohave a crush on him, and it made me do something creepy and embarrassing.
I quickly pull away from him, avoiding his stare.
“Since you’re staying the night, I’ll get you a spare pillow and sheet.”
9
Malcolm
I’m normally in bed around this time, yet I can’t fall asleep.
My mind is stuck on the hug with June.We shared physical contact multiple times tonight and I wasn’t tempted to go further.
No inappropriate thoughts entered my brain as we watched TV while we ate.After she told me about the break-in, all I wanted to do was comfort her and keep her safe.
The hug almost threw me off track.Inhaling her sweet scent, her soft body in my arms, her lips brushing my skin as she pressed her face to my neck.I was hard in seconds and ready to make a huge mistake.It’s a good thing she pulled away before I did.
Stop thinking about her and go the fuck to sleep.
I focus on my breathing.Less than ten seconds later, I’m focused on the floor instead.It’s hard despite the carpet and I’m going to feel it in the morning.
I keep up with my physical training but sleeping wrong at my age still comes with punishment.Better here than June’s loveseat.That thing felt like lying on a child’s bed.
