back up again, retracing the same pattern in delicate, attentive touches.
Next, I’m aware of heat. Body heat that is radiating from Xander, who has me drawn into his warm embrace. One arm is looped around my waist, holding me to him, so close, there’s not an inch of space between our bodies. My heart flutters as I realise he’s been holding me since we made love last night.
My brain continues to register every beautiful moment of this. How I can smell his aftershave on the crisp sheets. The feel of his warm and intoxicating body pressed against mine. The way Xander is so gently touching my skin.
I slowly open my eyes. Morning light is filtering through the wooden blinds, bathing Xander’s room in soft light. I see the now-familiar pale grey walls and modern art prints hanging in frames. His sleek black furniture and silver lamps. I love being in this room that has been surrounded by iron gates in Xander’s heart for so long.
Gates he opened for the first time last night.
For me.
I smile at the thought of that. Xander pauses and drops a kiss on the spot between my neck and shoulder, his facial scruff prickling against my skin.
“I see you are smiling,” he murmurs into that spot, kissing it again. “Good morning, Sunshine.”
I put my hand on his forearm that is wrapped around me, moving my palm over it and feeling his warmth. “Good morning to you. Xander Wales.”
I swear, I can feel him smiling into my neck, which makes me happy.
“Did you sleep well?” he asks.
I nod. “I did. How about you?”
“Not really.”
I turn around, so I’m facing him. He props himself up on his elbow. I place my hand on his face.
“Was it because I was here?” I ask, hating that he didn’t sleep if that was the case.
“Truthfully? Yes. But not in a bad way,” Xander says, reaching for my hand and linking it with his. “I couldn’t believe that you were here. In my bed. I found myself wanting to watch you sleep. Hear your breathing. Listen to the little sounds you make when you move.”
My heart brims over with happy feelings.
“I’m sorry if I kept you up,” I say.
He brings my hand to his lips and presses a kiss upon it. “I’m not. Besides, we can nap later. After we have a full English breakfast.”
“Hmm. While breakfast sounds good, I don’t know if I’m ready to leave this bed yet,” I say, smiling at him. “I like the way this feels.”
“How does it feel?”
“Warm. Cosy. Safe.”
“Safe?” Xander releases my hand and traces an index finger from my forehead down my nose. “My bed should be the last place you feel safe,” he says, his sensual voice once again reminding me of molten chocolate. “Because I want to devour you whenever you are in it.”
I can’t help but smile. I love that he craves me in that primal way so much. It makes me feel empowered. Sexy. And oh so beautiful.
“Not so. You watched me sleep last night,” I remind him, and that confession of his still touches my heart.
“They were equal propositions in my head,” Xander says, dragging his finger over my lips and causing my throat to grow dry. “But I’m glad you feel safe.”
“It’s because you’re with me,” I say quietly. “I feel safe with you.”
His eyes shift from amused to touched. My words have reached his core. I can see that in his face.
Xander reclaims my hand and places it on his chest, squeezing it to him. I can feel his heart pounding underneath my palm, and another thought comes to my mind.
I want this to belong to me.
“I will always do whatever it takes to protect you. Do you believe me?” Xander asks.
I nod. “Yes.”
He’s silent for a moment. Xander’s face turns serious, and I can tell his thoughts have taken him out of this moment with me and somewhere else.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, propping myself up, so I’m on my elbow, too.
He doesn’t say anything.
“Xander?”
He draws a breath of air. “All of last night, I lay here looking at you. Feeling at peace that you were here. How damn happy I was that I waited for you to share my bed. The way your body fit into mine, how you were so comfortable and happy that you were able to fall asleep in my arms. And I wish it could be this simple forever. Just us. Being normal people.”