Page 40 of Duke
I’m too cold to care, though. I moan a little, and Duke grabs my elbow and guides me underneath the mountain of covers on the bed.
“You’ll warm up in no time.” He tucks the duvet around my shoulders and arms, tugging it up so that it covers my nose.The man is literally tucking me in. “I’m gonna go grab some clothes and see if I can find extra blankets. I’ll be right there on the floor—”
“No.” My heart pounds as I bite out the word between chatters. “Sleep here. In bed. Right now. Must…stay warm. Body heat. Jacob the werewolf. He kept Bella warm because…hotter than Edward. Vampire.”
Duke chuckles. “I got no idea what you’re talking about—”
He’s cut off by a shiver that racks his entire body.
“Get the fuck in bed, Duke!”
“All right!” He’s still chuckling as he jogs around the mattress and dives underneath the covers. “I’ll use a pillow as underwear, I guess.”
“Ew, please don’t.”
“How can you sleep with clothes on?”
“How can you sleep without them?”
I realize the bed is warm.
Well,thisside of the bed is warm. Did Duke tuck me into his side of the bed knowing the other side would be cold?
I shiver but for a different reason this time. Then a loud screech rends the air, like the wind is dragging metal furniture across the concrete patio outside.
I whimper. Then I’m immediately embarrassed by said whimper, because I’m better than that. Braver.
Except I can’t seem to find that bravery now, because I’m shaking like a leaf.
“Wheeler.”
“I’m okay.”
“You’re shaking so hard that the bed is shaking too. Can I—do you need—”
“Yeah.”
Danger danger danger.
My heart keeps pounding as I hear him shuffle closer. I know he’s naked. I also know he’s hot. Literally. And even though he’s hot in the proverbial sense too, that’s a risk I’m willing to take if it means calming my nervous system, which is currently on the fritz.
If he’s offering comfort, I’m gonna take him up on it. We all deserve comfort, right?
I wonder if Duke is going to play it safe. Maybe half-heartedly snuggle with me while keeping his pelvis a respectable distance from my backside.
Ha.
Ha haha.
I should’ve known he would definitelynotdo that. Instead, he hooks an arm around my middle with the clear intention of pulling me closer.
“Roll onto your side, Blue.”
The endearment. The feel of his hands on me.
I roll right the fuck over, and he immediately pulls me into the cradle of his very warm, very large, very hard body, my back to his front.
“The nickname is growing on me.” I don’t recognize my voice.
