finally sleeping next to her, and hell because she woke up every few hours trying to wiggle out of my grasp. Every time she fights me and tries to get away, it’s like a small stab in the heart.
“Can you please let me go?” she whispers sleepily. “I have to use the bathroom.”
“Sure,” I murmur into her hair before reluctantly releasing her. She climbs out of bed and disappears into the bathroom as if she can’t get away fast enough. Lying on the bed, I watch the door, waiting for her to reappear. My cock has made a tent in my sleep pants, and there’s no point in hiding my arousal.
When the door creaks open, and her head pops out, her eyes go straight to the tent, and those plump lips of hers part on a gasp before fear flickers in her gaze.
“There isn’t anything to be scared of. I’m not going to attack you. I’ll wait till you’re ready. I can control myself.”
She makes a choking sound. “Ready?”
I smirk. “Yes, when you’re ready. I’ll wait till you’re begging me to fuck you, then, and only then, will I touch you.”
“You’ll be waiting for a long time because I won’t ever beg you. I didn’t even want to sleep next to you. The last thing I’m going to do is have sex with you.” She turns her button nose up at me as if doing so would hurt my feelings.
All I can do is let out a harsh chuckle. “Sure, sweetheart. Whatever you say. Let’s go have some breakfast and then I’ll show you the library. We have plenty of time to argue, but I’d prefer to do it after I have my coffee.”
Dove doesn’t respond, and I toss my legs over the side of the bed and stretch my arms above my head, releasing a loud groan. Looking over my shoulder, I find Dove staring at me, when she sees me watching her, she looks down to the floor.
As amusing as it is to stand here and watch her squirm with embarrassment, I really could use some coffee. “Come, let’s eat breakfast.”
Dove follows behind me, her feet move with little noise. Heading straight for the coffee pot, I prepare the coffee and then get to work on breakfast. I don’t bother asking Dove what she wants for breakfast. I know what she likes, what she’s allergic to. Her opinion when it comes to meals isn’t needed because I won’t ever make her something she won’t eat.
Preparing eggs and bacon for us, I place a plate down in front of her and lean against the counter, taking a gulp of the steaming hot coffee. Thankfully, Dove eats without complaint, and when she’s done, I take her plate and put it in the sink.
Then I gesture for her to follow me.
As we walk down the hall, past the gym and toward the library, Dove asks, “How long will I have to stay here?”
“Until it’s safe, and I’m ready to leave.” I stop us directly in front of the door. Her cheeks are a soft pink, and her bee-stung lips are begging to be kissed. My attraction to her is spiraling out of control. I’m going to need to get a grasp on it.
Reaching for the door handle, I twist the knob and push the door open. I revel in the audible gasp she releases at the sight. I wasn’t lying when I said I built this place with her in mind. Her love for reading was front and center when I designed the bunker. In fact, she’s the only constant in my mind. The only person that matters.
Walking inside, I watch her face, the way her gaze widens, and her lips part. She’s both shocked and in awe. I knew she would love this room.
Turning to me, she asks, “You built this for me?”
My heart lurches in my chest because, for the first time, she’s looking at me like I’m more than her captor. Some deeper feeling swirls in her eyes, and right then, I wish she could remember me. Remember that night. Remember where it all started.
13
The rest of the day is tense. I try to keep myself busy reading and watching movies, but nothing holds my interest because my mind is too exhausted trying to make sense of my situation. I still catch myself thinking that this can’t be real, that I must be asleep in my bed. That any minute now, I’m going to wake up and laugh