Magical Midlife Love (Leveling Up #4) - K.F. Breene Page 0,114

endured the treatment…for me.

The feeling swelled until I could barely stand it. Until I had to reach out and touch him, placing my hand on his thigh, the urge to straddle his lap overwhelming.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “For everything.”

He sped onto the highway before covering my hand with his. “I’m at your service.”

This wasn’t going to blow over. Maybe some would call this a rebound—the divorce had only gone down a year ago—but it felt like I’d finally found my home. Finally found the person who both grounded me and lifted me up. There weren’t one in a million guys like Austin Steele, and having met his brother, I knew he came from a family of good, solid people. This wasn’t an act. Why keep looking when I’d found someone who was perfect for me?

I let my head fall back against the headrest and looked out the window, taking a deep breath.

“I really like you,” I whispered.

“I really like you too,” he replied, just as quietly, his words almost inaudible over the roar of the engine. “I’ve always really liked you, since the first moment you walked into my bar.”

I felt the warmth of his thigh through my palm, and I increased the sensitivity of the link so he could feel the aching for him in my core. He sucked in a breath, and I smiled.

“Ironheart,” I said. “Do the people of this town think I’m a jerk, or something?” I asked as he slowed for a turn. “Why else would they give me a name like that? Iron is worse than a heart of stone.”

Austin chuckled. “I think the iron alludes to your strength. It’s one of the hardest metals on earth, and it’s been a go-to metal for tool and weapons makers throughout the ages. It’s also one of the components in steel. I think the whole town knows the pack wouldn’t exist without you. They know that I do all this for you. To protect you.”

I wiped a tear away. “Stop being so sweet. It’s ruining my makeup.”

He smiled and squeezed my hand. “Heart refers to your generous heart. Your empathy. Your mercy. You always think of the safety of those around you. Everyone in this town knows they can count on you clearing them out and keeping them safe whenever anything dangerous happens in a crowded place. You are strong and your heart is pure. Ironheart.”

“Wow.” I didn’t know what else to say. That was incredibly touching. It was better than any name I could have chosen for myself.

“Haven’t you ever wondered why Ryan sits near you?”

I frowned at his mention of Sasquatch, but I had to admit, yes I did. He got so much abuse from Niamh, and he couldn’t stand me. Yet he always seemed to sit near us.

“He isn’t much of a shifter, but he knows how to survive,” Austin said. “He chooses the safest place in the bar. When you’re there, it is near you.”

Now I really didn’t know what to say.

“Kingsley told me that I’d leveled up with you.” He slowed as he approached Ivy House. “I agree with him.”

“I think you guys have that backwards.”

“Agree to disagree. Do you mind if I stay tonight? I’d take you to my house, but under the circumstances, I think Ivy House is safer.”

“You never have to ask. The answer is always yes.”

“You say that now. Wait until I piss you off.” He turned off the car and got out. He opened my door a moment later and reached down to help me out.

“I don’t think it’s me you have to worry about when it comes to that.” I stepped close, pressing my body firmly against his. “It’s pissing off Ivy House that you should be wary of.”

“Until you get rid of those dolls, I’d have to agree.” He leaned down and met my lips with his, his kiss deep and sensual. He shut the car door before swooping me up into his arms and holding me to his chest. “It was hot when you defended my honor.” He started walking to the house. “No wonder Kingsley never checks Earnessa when she violently reacts to other women flirting with him.”

“Shifters are nuts.”

“Apparently so are female gargoyles.”

“Did you hear what that guy said about Elliot Graves? He confirmed what Sebastian said. He’s a has-been.”

“Yes. In all of this, it has become increasingly apparent how ignorant we are of the larger world of magic. You’re not to blame, obviously, but the rest of us have