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“I’m not.”
“Good. Your opinion of me is important. I don’t want any lies between us, Va
“I know I do,” she admitted.
He gri
“Beth tells me I’m too trusting because I don’t want to be one of those negative people who always look for deceit in others. My older sister is like that and she’s a downer. I always look for bright sides.”
“I think that’s a good trait.”
“I didn’t see what a liar Carl was.”
He scowled. “That male didn’t deserve you.”
“Thank you.”
He jerked his head toward the bed. “Let’s rest.” He released her and gently nudged her closer to it. “Take everything off.”
She hesitated but then tore the shirt over her head. It was probably the fastest she’d ever climbed under the covers in her life. Smiley might have some scars but he did have a perfect body otherwise. It made her more aware of her flaws. She peered at him while he went to the curtains and pulled the thick drapes closed to block out a lot of the light. He approached the bed and climbed in.
“Come here. I want to hold you.” He lay on his back and opened his arms.
She had rarely shared a bed with a man. Her first boyfriend and she had discussed living together but he’d kept putting it off. Later she’d discovered he’d been a cheating bastard who was afraid she’d figure it out if they shared a home. Carl had wanted to wait until after the wedding to live together. She inched closer.
Smiley pulled her against his side until she rested her head on his chest and his arm curled along her back, his fingers stroking her hip under the covers. His chin rested on the top of her head. “I like this.”
“Me too,” she admitted.
Va
She looked exhausted. The reason behind it made him angry. The Woods Church, her ex-male and his father would pay for what they’d done to her. He tugged down the covers a little after her breathing assured him she slept and got a good look at her back. He’d just caught a glimpse of it when she’d removed the shirt and practically dived into bed.
Rage rose in him. Her pale skin was marred with multicolored bruises. All Species had experience with being Tasered and it wasn’t pleasant. She was too fragile and the male responsible would feel far greater pain if he ever got his hands on him. He pla
He regretted the faint bruises he’d glimpsed on her ass. His actions had put them there and he made a mental note to be more careful the next time he lifted her in his arms. Avoiding anything that might hurt her in any way was a top priority.
My Va
He still wanted her for a mate. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. They were different but they could make it work. He was motivated. She had obviously been ready to settle down with a mate since she’d agreed to marry Carl. He hated even to think the male’s name. Smiley would make a far better mate than that abusive human.
Guilt also surfaced. He’d had an opportunity to tell Va
He sniffed at her again, hunting for any telling signs of pregnancy but detected none, though his sense of smell wasn’t as good as a canine’s. It would be better if he could talk her into going to Medical. They could tell with tests faster than a change in her scent would. He pondered how she would take the news if she did carry his child. He’d mate her for sure if that were the case but even without a pregnancy, he still wanted to claim and keep her.
She was nothing like Species females. Her blushing and nervousness endeared her to him even more. She was shy and it made her adorable. Her lack of sexual experience would be fun. He gri
He formed a plan. He would get her addicted to him. She wouldn’t want to leave if she became dependent upon him. Sharing sex was a great way to cement their bond but he needed to co
He lifted his hand and gently cupped her soft belly. It didn’t disturb her sleep as he kept his palm there, wondering if life grew inside. She couldn’t find out about the possible child until he’d had a chance to alleviate all her fears and she’d want him as much as he did her. He would never forget how Becca had believed Brawn only wanted her for the sake of their child. Smiley wanted Va
He closed his eyes again and relaxed. He had slept poorly since returning from the hotel but now his Va
Chapter Fourteen
Va
Good morning, Va
Smiley
She reread the note and looked at the clock. It sank in that she’d been out for over fourteen hours. It wasn’t evening but morning. She’d also missed talking to her sister and brother. She wasn’t really upset about that. Her brother would raise hell and her sister would complain about how Va
She rose from the bed feeling refreshed and entered the bathroom. The smile tugging at the corner of her mouth couldn’t be contained. Smiley thought she was beautiful and his note left no doubt that it hadn’t been a one-night stand. No guy had ever left her a note on a pillow before.