When her lashes fluttered open to tickle his chest again, Cole realized what was keeping her awake… fear. He ground his teeth together as self-hatred swelled within him. The last thing he wanted was for her to be nervous around him, but he couldn’t blame her for being wary.
“Go to sleep, Lexi. I’ll stay awake,” he promised.
“I’m not that tired,” she murmured.
“Yes, you are. Get some rest, and I’ll keep watch.”
“That’s not fair,” she protested.
“You’re safe with me, and I’m going to make sure you stay that way. Rest.”
He ran his fingers through her thick, silken hair and let it cascade across his chest as he marveled at the different shades of red within the striking color. When he glided his fingers down her back, he delighted in the small shiver it elicited from her.
“You have to rest too,” she said.
“I’m fine,” he said.
He let her hair fall, settled a hand on her ass, and gave it a small squeeze. His cock stirred again, but his concern for her shoved aside his growing lust. She was not ready for what he desired to do to her again.
• • •
Lexi rested her hands on his chest and started to rise. She hated leaving the security of his arms, but she couldn’t stay here if it meant he spent the rest of the night sitting up, awake, in the dark.
His bright blue eyes met hers as his hand returned to her hair. He brushed it away from her temple before cupping her nape.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
Lexi thrilled at his words as he kissed her again and pulled away. She almost moaned in disappointment but managed to stifle it.
“And you’re extremely handsome.” The words were out of her mouth before she realized she was about to say them. She hated the blush burning across her cheeks.
He grinned at her. “I’m glad you think so. Now, are you going to sleep or not?”
“I should return to my room. You need to sleep.”
His arms locked around her, and he pulled her firmly against his chest. “No. I want you to stay with me far more than I want to sleep.”
“But—”
“I want you to stay here… unless you’d prefer to go.”
“No, I wouldn’t.”
“Then relax and stay here with me. I promise you’ll be safe.”
“I know I will.”
And she did know that. Despite what happened earlier, she trusted him not to hurt her again.
• • •
Cole held her firmly against his chest as she rested her head on him once more. Her thick lashes tickled his skin as her eyes closed. This time, they didn’t open again.
He held her close as he listened to the rain. A dull throbbing in his jaw drew his attention to it. He rubbed it absently as he recalled the blow that propelled him out of his nightmare. He smiled; his mate packed one hell of a punch.
Her body relaxed against him, and her breathing slowed as sleep claimed her. Even after what happened earlier, she trusted him, and he would do whatever it took to make sure he earned her trust.
He might never sleep again, but it would be worth it if it meant he got to hold her every night. Because, if he had his way, she would be in his bed every night for the rest of eternity.