The wolf that she calls her savior is going to devour her.
By the time this week is up, she’ll be my corrupt little siren.
However, before I let my darker urges win, I’m going to show her just how much she means to me. I’m going to pamper her like the queen she is.
Brushing my lips over hers, I kiss her softly. Nipping her bottom lip between mine, I murmur, “Little Rainbow.”
A crease appears between her brows as she stirs.
“Wake up.”
Her eyelids flutter open, revealing sleepy blue eyes.
“We’re here,” I tell her.
She blinks, then asks in a throaty voice, “The hotel?”
“No.”
“Then where?”
“Somewhere even better.”
Interest and excitement flare in her eyes. “A surprise?”
“Yeah, baby.” I’ve been planning this for weeks. We were supposed to come to Seattle earlier in the month, but I postponed it. There wasn’t enough time to perfectly organize the special surprise I had in my mind for her.
Once I decided I was going to reveal our relationship at Rosalie’s gala, I knew we’d need to get away to stay low until the gossip blew over with the media, who’d be staked out outside our building and my office. So, I made all the arrangements and had my private jet ready.
“I love surprises!” The last of her haziness disappearing, she grins. “I’m up.”
Kissing her lush mouth once more, I let her sit upright and slide off my lap. I rap my knuckle on the partition so the driver can get our luggage out. Opening the door, I step out onto the gravel path and turn around to offer her my hand.
With a shy smile, she slides her palm into mine. Curling my fingers tightly, I pull her out. Without her heels, which I purposely packed so she’d have no choice but to wear flats and give her feet a rest, the top of her head reaches the middle of my torso.
I love that my size has never scared her. Yet protectiveness surges inside me. It’s become my default setting when it comes to Iris Mannan. I’m constantly fighting the urge to carry her around everywhere.
She’s strong, undoubtedly. Nevertheless, her petite frame makes her look innocent and vulnerable. There’s no helping it.
Even after I catch the man after her, she will never be without protection. I’ll talk to Darian about hiring Seth permanently.
I stand in front of her, blocking the view behind me.
She gazes around, noticing the area, and frowns. “Where are we? This isn’t the city.” Eyes going round, she gasps. “We are in Seattle, right?”
“Yes.” I smirk. “We’re on the outskirts.”
“Are we the only ones here?”
“Yes.” I tug her hand, causing her blue floral summer dress to flutter around her thighs. On the plane, both of us changed into casual outfits. I never took us home, just straight to the airstrip. We were supposed to land at one in the morning, but due to bad weather conditions, we landed at five. It took another two hours to drive here.
“Come on.”
She takes a step, but as soon as I move aside, her feet screech to a halt. Her kiss-swollen lips part in a wide O as she gapes at the view. Blinking rapidly as though she’s hallucinating, she says, “You booked us a cabin?”
“Do you like it?” I hold my breath, waiting for her answer.
Fuck. It’s been a while since I’ve been nervous.
