Page 62 of King of Ruin

I stop when she jolts in my arms. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” she shakes her head. “But I would like to point out that I come with my own problems. The Vendettis…”

“Nice try, the Vendettis were always my problem. You just got caught in the middle.”

“Oh.”

“Now, I want you to get some sleep. I’ll take care of Thomasina and her babies. Tomorrow, you should call Lucia and ask her if there is anything we’re missing.”

“That’s a wonderful idea.” Her arms are back around me, her lips finding mine.

I kiss her back, trying not to lose myself in that kiss. I could. Maddie feels so good but she’s way too new at this for another round and I really should get back to Thomasina. And because, Maddie and I have all the time in the world.

I knew when I left that inspector’s office that I’d made a choice. But the specifics of my choice are becoming clearer.

Maddie is meant to be mine.

And I intend to keep her for a very long time.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Maddie

I should be exhausted,but I can’t sleep.

Something in Roman’s story about his father and Maria. He said his father fell in love. That he’d gone crazy for Maria.

And then Roman compared that to himself.

Am I stretching? Trying to find meaning in his words where there is none?

Or did Roman admit that he has feelings for me?

Hope rises like a ridiculous buoy in my chest. I know it’s foolish. I am not the woman that keeps Roman Kincaid.

I’m surprised I’m even the woman that gets to share his bed for a short time.

But I can’t turn the hope off and so finally, I get up.

I pull on his T-shirt that’s been left discarded on the foot of the bed and pad out to the living room.

Thomasina is in the whelping box, I hear her purring. “Lights,” Roman commands. The lights come up and I can see Roman’s arm draped down, softly stroking her head as he lays on his side on the couch. “You and Thomasina made friends.”

He gives a small laugh. “We did. Finally.” And then he pulls his hand out of the box and opens his arms to me. “What are you doing still awake?”

“Someone promised me cuddles after my first time,” I sigh. “It’s lonely in that bed.”

“Come here.”

I go to him without question, slipping into his arms. Our legs twine together, my arms wrapping about his bare torso, as my face snuggles into the crook of his neck.

“Better?” He brushes a kiss over the top of my head.

“Much.” I can’t help feeling like this is where I belong.

He pulls me even closer, his hand pressing to the spot just above my ass. It’s possessive in a way that makes me feel cared for. My eyes close, so ready for sleep. “You know,” he rumbles. “Thomasina’s been quiet enough that I could probably bring the whelping box into the bedroom.”

“Tomorrow,” I murmur, not moving a muscle. Is the couch too small for two people? I know it is. I just don’t care how well I sleep as long as I’m with him. “This is the most comfortable I’ve been all night.”