Page 33 of Gift Wrapped Protector

“So, what kind of sculptures are you working on now?” he asked while they finished breakfast.

He needed a distraction, craving her desperately, as he did, body, mind, and heart, it was all he could do not to press his claim. But Jasper wanted her to trust him just as badly. It was imperative before they went any further.

A difficult prospect for him. Shifters were extremely physical beings. Jasper already wanted her beyond belief, and not just sex—though he really wanted that too. There was just so much more to it, more that he hadn’t counted on.

Jasper wanted to take care of Carolina. To cook for her, to protect, and cherish. To just simply be with her.

He watched his sweet Caro consider her answer before opening that bow-shaped mouth of hers, driving him wild with need.

“I’m actually considering a study on Egyptian gods and deities. Or I was before I found out they were real,” she replied and shrugged.

“Oh? Well, what have you already done that I might’ve seen?”

“I had a showing in a New York gallery last year.Mythological Heroes by Carolina Moore. It was a pretty big event. One of my pieces sold for a couple of hundred thousand pounds to a UK collector,” she said and blushed.

Pride filled him at her success, and even more so when he realized she didn’t enjoy talking about her money. She was obviously talented and good at what she did. He would have to work on bolstering her confidence.

“I read about that in your file. Do you keep any of your pieces?”

“Some. My favorites are hard to part with. They’re like my babies, not that I have any of those, yet,er, well, I mean—” She nearly toppled her juice cup, but Jasper caught it, and her hand, stilling her frazzled movements.

“Don’t be nervous around me, baby,” he whispered, kissing her hand softly. “You can say anything to me, and I won’t ever judge you.”

“Everyone says that, but they don’t mean it,” she whispered.

“I mean it, Carolina. I’ll prove it too if you give me a chance. Now go get dressed, I’ll clean up.”

He watched her go, his heart light with the prospect of a real future with her. Jasper whistled Christmas carols as he put the kitchen back to rights and waited for his mate to get ready. Next, he would introduce her to his Wyvern.

He'd never been nervous about his beast before, had always assumed he was mighty and awesome. But for the first time in his recollection, Jasper felt anxious. What if she didn’t like him? What if he scared her?

His animal snarled at the traitorous thoughts. The Wyvern refused to accept she would feel anything but pleasure at seeing his magnificent form, and Jasper hoped the creature was right. He was so close to telling her now, he would hate to fuck it up.

Mine.

ChapterThirteen

“You know, fluffy city chicks rarely do hikes through snow-covered mountains,” she grunted as she climbed the upwards slope to wherever the heck her so-called bodyguard was dragging her.

That was unkind. He was exceedingly thoughtful and had packed plenty of waters and snacks for them both. He even carried them. Truth be told, they’d only been walking like twenty minutes.

With her parka and boots, and the scarf, hat, and gloves he had found for her in the closet, Carolina felt like that kid inA Christmas Story. The little brother who could not put his arms down after his mother finished dressing him for the snow.

“You wanted to see my beast, and I just want to give you the best vantage point. I can carry you, if you want?” he returned and moved towards her, but she swatted at his hands.

“I am not an invalid!Sheesh, can’t a girl just complain once in a while without a man trying to fix everything?”

“I’m sorry. I will keep that in mind, baby,” he said and flashed that panty-melting grin of his.

Uh oh. Caro realized why she was so snappish. She was horny.

Dang it.

Even though he’d given her a taste of bliss just last night, her traitorous body seemed to want more. How could she be so easy for the guy? He was a stranger.

The last time she’d trusted herself, she married a man who’d tired of her after a few months. Really, she and Joffrey should never have stayed together as long as they had. What a waste that had been.

But here she was, getting head from a Shifter, and letting him call herbaby. What the fuck was that about? She was never the kind of girl men called pet names.

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