Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Orion’s brow knits together. “At your zoo? That doesn’t sound right.” He leans back, reaching into the front pocket of his jeans. He pulls out a small piece of paper, unfolding it carefully. “Because I’ve been meaning to show you this,” he says, sliding the note across the table toward me.
My pulse kicks. I recognize Jason’s sloppy handwriting immediately. You think he can save you? The menacing scrawl sends a chill skating over my skin, like ice water down my spine.
“Where did you—?” My voice trembles, and I dart my gaze to Orion, shock and fear battling in my chest.
He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “Found it under your windshield wiper at the apartment. I saw someone lurking around, but by the time I got there, they were gone. My guess is, Jason wanted to scare us. He obviously knows you’re not working right now and that I’m around. So why would he be at your workplace if he knows you’re here with me?”
My mind whirls, and my stomach twists. “I have no idea,” I whisper. All appetite for dinner flees as I stare at the note, heart pounding. “But if he thinks scaring me will work, he’s not getting the reaction he wants.”
Orion’s expression darkens, his jaw tight. “We’re going to figure this out,” he says, sliding his hand over mine and giving it a firm squeeze. The contact steadies me, just enough to manage a shaky nod.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “We’ll figure it out.”
However, I don’t feel so confident right now. In fact, I squeeze Orion’s hand, wanting more contact with him.
Chapter 18
Orion
I hate the look on Briar’s face. It’s a mixture of fear and worry. I hate this fucker… Jason. Fucking asshole. I hate that he’s making her feel this way.
I hate even more that I can’t do a damn thing about stopping him. At least, not the way I want to. I’d love to come face to face with the prick and end his life once and for all.
Briar’s hand rests atop mine, and I stand.
“Come here,” I say, reaching my hand out so she takes it.
She slips her tiny hand in mine and stands from her seat.
“Hey,” I murmur, sliding an arm around her waist. She looks up, eyes brimming with fear and uncertainty. “He won’t touch you. I promise.”
Her lower lip quivers. “What if—?”
“No,” I cut in, more harshly than I intend, but I can’t bear seeing her so scared. “I’m here. He’s not getting near you.” My voice gentles as I cup her cheek, my thumb brushing away the faint streak of tears. “Trust me.”
She sinks into my hold, as if all the fight has slipped from her limbs, letting out a shaky exhale. My heart thuds hard in my chest when she rests her forehead against mine. I can smell the faint hint of her shampoo, feel the warmth radiating off her. Slowly, I curl my arms fully around her, pressing her closer to me.
“Come on,” I whisper, guiding her away from the window. I lead her down the hallway, past pictures on the wall and the faint glow of a small lamp, until we reach my master bedroom. The overhead light is off, leaving the room bathed in soft moonlight, pouring in through the curtains. I shut the door behind us, an unspoken barrier between her and the world outside.
Briar stands there, looking small and lost in the low light, hugging herself. I step forward, my hand sliding around her waist again, pulling her flush against me. My heart pounds. I can’t stop thinking about how I could possibly lose her—how Jason’s threats are still lingering in the shadows. I refuse to let that happen.
“Let me keep you safe,” I breathe, voice low, urgency thrumming beneath each word.
She nods, eyes glistening. “Yes,” she says, as if it’s the only word she can manage.
My mouth finds hers in a rush of need and relief. Her lips part in a soft gasp, and I deepen the kiss, every nerve ending igniting at once. My pulse roars in my ears, drowning out everything except the sensation of her in my arms. She responds in kind, fingers curling into my shirt, clinging to me like I’m her lifeline.
Her quiet moan fans the flames burning in my chest. I tilt her head gently, angling to explore her mouth. Her warmth, her taste—it’s overwhelming. A single thought loops through my mind: She’s here, she’s mine, and I’ll protect her no matter what.
When we finally break apart, our breaths ragged, I press my forehead to hers. The echoes of the kiss still tingle on my lips. I want to promise her the world, to tell her Jason’s threat means nothing because I’ll tear it down. But words don’t feel like enough.
Instead, I ease onto the edge of the bed, tugging her with me. She settles at my side, and I stroke a hand over her hair, calming my own heartbeat as well as hers. She leans into me, turning her face toward my shoulder. We stay like that for a moment, caught in a quiet, heated bubble of comfort and desire.