He kept talking, but I only half-heard him. My mind was trying to come up with ways to get him to stay with me.
“If you need me,” he added. “I’ll be in the bedroom across the hall.”
My head snapped toward him. “Across the hall?”
“Yeah. Well, it’s down the hall. But I’m not far. Okay?”
I shook my head.
“Not okay?” he asked, brows furrowing.
I nodded once before saying, “Do you really expect me to sleep alone in this big house? What if I get scared?”
“I’m right down the hall,” he said again, pointing vaguely.
“If something happens, I could die before you make it down the hall to me, Aiden.”
His whole expression changed. His jaw clenched, and he stepped toward me, eyes dark, voice low.
“Don’t joke about that. Nothing will happen to you. Not with me here. Not tonight or any other night. Not ever. I won’t lose you. Understand?”
The intensity in his gaze made it impossible for me to look away.
“Tell me you understand,” he insisted, looking worried.
“I understand,” I whispered, wanting him to stay even more now. I had a feeling this man did not play about me. “Still, I’d feel safer with you here with me rather than down the hall,” I countered, my voice barely above a whisper now.
He simply stared down at me. I’m pretty sure he was debating whether he should stay or not. Would the gentlemanwin the debate? Or would the savage be victorious? I was rooting for the savage.
“You sure you want to sleep in the same bed as me?” he asked.
“I almost fucked you on the counter,” I reminded him. “Of course I want to sleep in the same bed with you.”
That grin I liked way too much curved across his face.
“Will you be able to keep your hands to yourself, Ms. Park?”
I shrugged, a grin forming on my face, too. “I’ll make no promises, Mr. Park.”
He laughed and nodded toward the bathroom. “Go shower.”
I paused. “Are you staying with me?”
“I am.”
Yay!The savage won. I knew he could do it. Feeling brazen, I decided to push my luck.
“Would you like to shower with me, too, Mr. Park?” I asked, blinking up at him innocently.
“Nice try, Mrs. Park. I already showered. Remember?”
“Oh, right. After your jack off session.”
He burst out laughing and gripped my shoulders, turning me toward the bathroom.
“Go take a cold shower.”
I shook my head as I strode forward. “Not a chance. I like it hot.” I stared over my shoulder at him and winked.
