Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
“Yes. I’m sorry, but I’m really shaken up. That was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me, and knowing this person can just come into my home whenever he wants terrifies me. I can’t fight magic.”
“We can.”
“What kind of creature can just vanish like that?”
“Could be a jinn or a wizard. I’ll know if he comes back. I have his scent now. Was too faint before when he left the toy.”
Callan’s lap was warm, his sweats soft against Lonnie’s cheek. The hard muscles were relaxed, and he wondered if Callan had noticed the back of his head was pressed against his balls.
Lonnie sure had, and it was taking his mind off his fear. The masculine scent mixed with fabric softener filled his nose and without conscious thought, he nuzzled his face deeper into Callan’s thigh.
Callan went very still, his hand on the side of Lonnie’s head.
“You feel and smell so good,” Lonnie whispered. “Thank you for this. I feel better.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there.” He slowly ran his fingers through Lonnie’s hair. “I will be from now on.”
“I know you will.”
They were silent then, the television flickering light into the darkness of the living room. Callan continued to stroke his hair. Lonnie knew he still wouldn’t be sleeping, but he’d be soaking up as much of this comfort as he could.
Knowing someone had been in the house and left the figurine had scared him. Seeing, actually seeing, someone left him utterly terrified. How long had he been there? And was this the first time? Had Lonnie been sleeping nightly with a shadowy figure watching this whole time? His heart started to race, and he closed his eyes tight. He really hadn’t been concerned enough over the notes. And he’d been so caught up in his growing desire for Callan, he hadn’t given that figurine gift the reaction he should have. Someone was truly obsessed with him. Him. But why? He was nothing special and never had been. He was a short, rather plain teacher. And cuddly, according to Callan. Cuddly was not sexy. He doubted his stalker was looking for snuggles. No, this person…or now magical being…was after something else. But what?
Callan delved one hand beneath the blanket to rest it over Lonnie’s racing heart. “Is beating too hard.”
“I’m really scared, Callan.” He rolled until he could look up, finding comfort in Callan’s craggy face. “I can’t think of one reason why someone would be doing this.”
“Maybe because you’re beautiful.”
“But I’m not. I’m rather normal looking. I’m a boring professor, and I’ve never done anything to draw this kind of attention.”
Callan’s hard stare softened. He opened his mouth, then closed it, and Lonnie knew he was struggling to find his words. He waited, patient for once, knowing whatever Callan was stumbling to say would be important.
“He sees that you’re special, which makes him smart. Like you.” Callan patted his chest. “I will not let him get so close again. I promise.”
Chapter Fourteen
Callan
Callan sat in the same position even after Lonnie fell asleep with his head in his lap. Just holding the man all night had done a lot to chase away the anger and fear that had ripped through him the night before. When he’d heard Lonnie scream his name, he’d been in the living room watching another of Lonnie’s shows, and he’d torn down the hall as fast as he could. Smelling that someone had been inside Lonnie’s room had sent rage into his brain.
And then he’d seen Lonnie shaking.
His mate had been so damn scared, so Callan had tamped down the fury and taken care of him. Comforted him—and in return, he’d received comfort.
He stared down at the pretty man in his lap. Lonnie’s mouth was slightly parted, small snores escaping with every other breath. The back of his head was firmly pressed to Callan’s balls, so he’d stayed hard on and off the whole time. Now, he was hard again. Lonnie had pushed the blanket down and his T-shirt had ridden up to show his soft belly. A sexy trail of brown hair led down from his navel to disappear into the low pajama pants. So low, Callan could see a hint of bush. He wanted to touch that curling hair so badly, both hands were in fists.
His desire for this human transcended any he’d ever felt. And it wasn’t only because of the mate bond. He found Lonnie beautiful. Sexy. And though he’d read up on ADHD to better understand the man, he just found his sometimes-odd behavior endearing. He didn’t like that it gave Lonnie trouble. Didn’t like knowing Lonnie’s brain worked overtime and that he worried so much. Lonnie couldn’t help it. And he certainly didn’t like that Lonnie didn’t think himself special. His past boyfriends and girlfriends had been stupid.
Callan planned to give him the support and understanding he needed, unlike that last boyfriend. Lonnie had pointed him out when they’d been at the college, and jealousy had made him see red. Richard was incredibly good-looking, and he’d spotted them and started heading their way. Callan had steered Lonnie away quickly, not wanting to give the guy even a chance of stealing back Lonnie. He’d thrown such a hard glare over his shoulder, Richard had scuttled off.