Page 25 of Broken By Her Mate

When she took a retreating step, he said, “Good night, Laila.”

“Night.”

He turned and walked away, his shoulders rigid. Laila stared at his back until he disappeared. She pressed her fingers to her lips and blew out a long breath. She could still taste him and wanted more, but she should play it safe. Right…?

Chapter 11 - Tolliver

She kissed me.

She didn’t run.

What does it mean?

Do I have a chance to win her back?

The questions ran riot in his mind, nearly driving him crazy. He’d been lying in bed staring at the ceiling for the better part of two hours. Sleep wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Sighing, he sat up and planted his feet on the floor. Dropping his head in his hands, he relived every moment of his and Laila’s kiss. He analyzed the memory from every angle, as he’d been doing since they parted ways. She was the one who kissed him, so it must mean she was open to something more between them. Or maybe she hadn’t been thinking clearly…

Still, she hadn’t run away in horror as she did the other night. Maybe he had a chance of making things right between them… or was he getting ahead of himself over one kiss?

“Gods!” he hissed. He would drive himself over the edge of sanity if he kept thinking about it. Sitting in that dark room, unable to sleep, would only lead him to think about it. He had to get out of there.

Tolliver slipped out of bed, pulled on a shirt, and hurried out of the room. He didn’t even bother to glance at Laila’s door or stop to listen and see if she was still awake. He had to avoid temptation. Outside, he stopped on the porch and inhaled, hoping the night air would cool his raging need.

Maybe if he busied himself patrolling the perimeter, he’d regain control of his racing thoughts and emotions andeventually get some sleep. His senses were on high alert as he made his way toward the edge of the property.

An hour later, he’d inspected beyond the cabin, and he was still on edge and aroused. Looking skyward, he groaned. There was no stopping his mind from wandering to thoughts of Laila. Years ago, he’d wanted it all with her. When he claimed her as his mate, he’d had visions of marriage and children… A long, happy life together with the woman made for him.

That was before the opportunity to join the Black Ops presented itself. Back then, he thought joining the group was the only way he could do his part to stop others from losing their loved ones the way he and Elena had. He never thought he’d have to choose between what he wanted to do with his life and the woman he loved. When he discovered Laila’s resentment of the organization, he lied to her about his career pursuit and broke up with her without telling her why. Looking back, he realized that was a huge mistake.

“I’m an idiot,” he whispered as he stared at the cabin. He needed to win Laila’s heart again—he would if it was the last thing he did. With renewed determination, Tolliver marched back inside and went right back to her door. He was too wound up to sleep, and if Laila was still awake… Well, he wasn’t sure what would happen.

Just as he lifted his hand to knock, the door swung open. He stared at her, stunned. It was as if she’d been waiting for him, but maybe that was wishful thinking. Their gazes locked, and suddenly, he didn’t know what to say. Since they reunited, he’d been on a roll with saying the wrong things to upset her, and he didn’t want to do that now.

A blush crept across Laila’s cheeks. “I heard you come back inside. I couldn’t sleep.”

“Neither could I.” As he studied her upturned face, he knew the night wouldn’t end before he made her his again. Without another word, he stepped into her room and closed the door.

“I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about you and that kiss,” Tolliver admitted.

“I’ve been thinking about it, too. It was…”

“It was amazing,” Tolliver finished. And it had dredged up the feelings for her that he’d been trying to keep under control.

“Yes…” Laila whispered.

Tolliver stepped closer. “I’ve been thinking about doing it again.” As if under compulsion, he reached out and grazed her cheek. She didn’t flinch or pull away, and it encouraged him to go further. His hand slid to the back of her neck. Her lips parted as she gazed up at him, and her light gray eyes darkened to gunmetal. His head lowered, and he watched her closely, waiting for her to protest or push him away. He hesitated when he was close enough to feel her breath on his face.

To his relief, Laila leaned forward. “I wouldn’t mind doing it again, either.”

That was all the invitation he needed. His mouth crashed onto hers almost desperately. Tolliver pulled her against him, lifting her to straddle his waist, and she wound her legs around him without hesitation. Their kiss became wild and ravenous, as if they were trying to make up for the last five years. He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to have her. With their mouths still connected, he walked to the bed to lay her down.

His lips left hers to trail down her jaw and neck as his hands roamed her body, rediscovering every curve and dip. Laila reached between them to tug at his shirt, and he paused to lift itover his head and toss it aside. In pulling her top over her head, he got too excited and ripped the flimsy material.

“Damn it,” murmured. “I’m sorry.”

Laila’s giggles floated around the room, and he couldn’t help smiling. “It’s okay,” she said.

“I forgot my strength,” he explained. “I haven’t done this in a while.”