Mending the Beast (Awakening Pride #10) - Lacey Thorn Page 0,42
we’re here now instead of out there helping everyone. We’re too concerned about saying or doing something to hurt each other.” He walked to her and took her hand in his then pressed it against his chest. “Tell me this. If we had met differently. If we’d met before. Would you want me?”
He watched her swallow, witnessed the display of emotions crossing her face, and knew the moment she decided on the truth. She nodded, slow and a bit unsure, her top teeth worrying at her bottom lip.
“Then we’ll find our way to each other because I want you like I want air to breathe. We’ll find our way, Ariel. Which means we’ll start trying. For today, lets strip down to where we’re both comfortable and go to bed. I’d like to hold you. Just hold you. Nothing will ever happen between us that you’re not a hundred percent onboard with. I promise. Trust me?”
She seemed to consider again but not as long. “I trust you.”
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Why don’t you take your bag into the bathroom. Shower if you want. I’ll change out here and get in bed. When you’re ready, join me.”
She blew out another hard breath and nodded. He never thought he’d appreciate a nod so much, but he did. His heart beat faster with every nod from her. It was a start, and that was what he’d asked for.
He listened as the water turned on and found it far too easy to envision her naked under the spray in the shower. His cock was rock-hard, and he made quick work of changing into his sweats. He thought briefly about giving himself relief but knew it wouldn’t work. There was only one touch he craved, and it wasn’t his own. He refused to let doubts and fears creep in. Slow and steady was definitely the way to go.
The water stopped, and Daniel slid under the covers. They’d set the thermostat to just above arctic temperature. He was hoping the cold would work on deflating things for him. Then the door opened. Steam spilled out first, but Ariel wasn’t far behind. She had on a pair of booty hugging shorts and…his shirt. How did he hold himself together? Did she have any clue what seeing her like that did to him?
She’d let her hair grow out since he’d first met her, and it lay in soft waves to her shoulders. His fingers curled in anticipation of trailing through the blonde tresses. He knew how they felt. A unique scent clung to her skin and hair. It had quickly become his favorite fragrance.
She stared at him for a moment, seeming uncertain and young. Innocent. And so fucking trusting in that moment that it broke his heart. It wasn’t the fact she trusted him. That made him feel like a damn king. It was that fact that the very act of trust was one that made her uncertain. He’d make sure he never did anything to break it…or her.
He tossed back the cover on the side of the bed closest to the bathroom door and patted the spot next to him.
“Come here, baby. Let me hold you while we sleep.”
Chapter Thirteen
Ariel was aroused. It stunned and terrified her. She’d never been aroused around any other man. Only Daniel. And she wasn’t sure what to do with her feelings. Or if she even really wanted to do anything about them. They were curled together with Daniel sprawled on his back and her curled up at his side. Her head rested on his shoulder, one arm lying across his chest, palm flat over his heart. She felt each beat all the way to her core, which was slick with need.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Daniel murmured softly above her.
She tilted her head to meet his gaze. “You should be sleeping.”
“We should be sleeping,” he countered. “What’s going on in that mind of yours?”
There was no way she was admitting what her body felt. Not when she had no idea what she wanted to do about it. Then Daniel turned toward her, shifting his body away while cupping her face and urging it closer.
“How about a goodnight kiss?” he asked then continued when she didn’t answer right away. “I’m dying to taste you.”
She wanted to taste him, too, but her heart raced in her chest.
“You can nod if it’s easier,” he suggested softly, and she latched on to the offer, nodding slowly while managing to hold her breath.