Mending the Beast (Awakening Pride #10) - Lacey Thorn Page 0,45
the other room had no idea the power she wielded over him. She could destroy him with just a word. He left his sweats on the bathroom floor as he stepped under the spray. He let the cold water wash over his skin, reaching for the bar of hotel soap and rubbing it between his hands.
He made quick work of washing away any lingering residue then shampooed his hair and rinsed before shutting off the water and reaching for a towel. They’d both had an orgasm. Maybe, that would be enough for them both to get the sleep that had been eluding them. He held the towel around his hips and scooped up the soiled sweats in his other hand. Tiptoeing out into the main room, he grabbed a pair of shorts from his bag and pulled them on before wadding up the sweats into the bottom.
Ariel was curled on her side, her head on the edge of his pillow, one arm thrown over it, cuddling it to her. He wanted to believe it was because she craved his scent. Wasn’t that why she wore his shirt to bed? Why she went to his home when he wasn’t around?
He shook his head. Never again. He’d never leave her again. Next time she went to his home, seeking the comfort of his scent, she’d find him. Hopefully, she’d never leave. He wanted her to think of the home he’d made as hers. No, as theirs. He might not have known her when he’d bought and furnished it, but he’d had her in mind the entire time. He’d created a space his mate would find comfort in. And she had. Even if he hadn’t been there.
He glided into bed beside her, voicing a soft groan as she immediately sought him out, slipping closer until her head was on his chest. He cuddled her closer before tugging the covers up and over them. This was how he wanted to sleep every night for the rest of his life. With his mate tucked at his side, feeling the beat of her heart against him.
She woke him a couple of times during the day. All it took was his arms around her and the whispered promise that he was there, that he wouldn’t leave her, and she’d immediately settle against him, her body softening as she fell back into deep slumber.
When his phone vibrated later that evening, he slipped from the bed again and padded out to meet his brother in the hall. Gabriel glanced up as soon as he opened the door then slid down the wall opposite until he sat, knees folded in front of him, hands dangling loosely between.
“I’m a jackass.”
“I’ve known that since we were kids,” Daniel assured him though he understood what his brother was saying. He took a seat beside the door to his room, mirroring his brother’s position.
“Kenzie said to apologize, let you kick my ass, then beg for your forgiveness.”
Daniel snorted. “Are you sure your mate really knows you?”
Gabriel turned serious. “She knows how much you mean to me, and how much I worry about you. Watching you since you and Ariel first met has torn me apart. I like her. She’s a great person. Loyal. Fierce. Exactly who I’d want for you. If she wasn’t so broken.”
“She’s not broken,” Daniel stated with a shake of his head. Damn, but he was tired of hearing that phrase. Especially from his mate.
“She told Laura she’s shattered into so many pieces that she doesn’t think they’ll all fit back together,” Gabriel countered.
“Maybe, she’s never had the right person to help her.” He held up his hand when his brother started to say something else. “She’s the woman I need. The only one I’ll ever want in my life. I need you to hear that and accept it.”
“I wondered if maybe being together would make things better for the two of you, but this morning, you both looked like you hadn’t slept in months. That’s not healthy for either of you.”
“Look at me,” Daniel urged, seeking and holding Gabriel’s gaze. “Really look at me.”
“You look good,” Gabriel allowed after a thorough inspection. “You rested today?”
“We both did.”
“Together?” Gabriel questioned.
“Yes.” And that was all Daniel would share. What had or hadn’t occurred between him and Ariel would remain between the two of them.
Gabriel sighed. “I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Then don’t try to keep me away from my mate. We’ll find our way. Trust in that. Trust in me.”