I pulledthe bathrobe tighter around myself in the steam-filled bathroom. It was as if I couldn’t get warm. It didn’t matter how long I stayed under the scalding-hot spray, the cold had settled into my bones. The kind that was impossible to get out.
Wiping away the condensation on the mirror, I took in my reflection. My skin was a few shades paler than usual, and my eyes were wide, still with that panicked look.
I turned away. I didn’t need a reminder of just how badly I’d lost it. And in front of Luke.
My bare feet padded across the tiled floor, and I opened the bathroom door, coming up short. He would’ve been a vision, sitting on the edge of my bed, his white tee pulled taut across his muscled chest. If that image weren’t paired with the lines of worry etched into his face.
“Feel better?” Lawson asked.
I nodded. “Luke okay?”
“He’s fine. He’s going to hang out with my mom and dad for the afternoon.”
Guilt churned in my stomach. “He didn’t have to leave because of me.”
But maybe it was that Lawson wanted to protect Luke from another of my outbursts. I couldn’t blame him.
Lawson was on his feet in a flash, striding toward me. He framed my face in his hands and ducked low so our eyes were level. “There is no one I’d rather have around my kids than you, Hallie. You teach them kindness and compassion. Strength and bravery. But you also deserve to rest when you’ve had a hard day. I’d say this qualifies.”
A tear slipped from my eye, sliding down my cheek before Lawson caught it with his thumb. “I’m so tired of feeling weak, like a burden.”
“Little Minx,” he crooned, pulling me into him. “You’re the furthest thing from those words.”
“I was so scared,” I admitted.
“Being scared doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. But you keep facing it head-on. You could run, and I wouldn’t blame you. But you stay.”
I tipped my head back so I could look into his beautiful blue eyes. “I couldn’t leave the boys. My friends. You.”
Lawson sucked in a breath as he ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “Can’t imagine doing life without you. Not now. Hallie, you’ve ruined me. But I’d burn myself to ash over and over if it meant getting you in the end.”
My heart hammered against my ribs, three little words playing at the tip of my tongue. Nerves had me swallowing them back. But I could show him.
I took a step back, my fingers going to the tie of my robe. Tugging on the ends, I drew the robe open. I shrugged my shoulders, and it fell to the floor.
Lawson stared at me, his blue eyes blazing.
“It’s you, Blue. You’re the one who brought me out of the ashes. It’s always been you.”
“Hallie,” he rasped.
I moved to him, placing a hand on his chest. “I’m ready. I want to know what it feels like to be fully yours.”
Lawson’s throat worked as he swallowed. “Tell me you’re sure.”
“Never been more sure of anything in my life.” My stomach flipped as heat pooled low. I wanted more with Lawson. I wantedeverything.
Lawson’s fingers skimmed over my collarbone. “So beautiful.” His hand trailed to the center of my chest, the rough pads of his fingertips sending a cascade of shivers over my skin. He circled my breast, coming closer and closer to the peak.
“Look how your body responds. So perfect.”
My nipples pebbled under his focus, straining to get to him.
Lawson leaned forward, taking a peak into his mouth.
My lips parted, a mewl leaving my throat. My back arched, my body seeking more of the sensation, more ofLawson.
His teeth grazed the bud, sending a rush of heat and wetness to my core.
