Quiet settled.

The first hot tear escaped, blazing a trail for the others to follow. With my back to the door, I faced the pressing darkness, knowing what waited for me. My

eyes burned as I fought the lure of sleep. It was a battle I was destined to lose.

I was so intent on my fight, that when the sheets lifted and a weight settled

behind me, it barely registered. It wasn’t until strong arms curled around me, tucking me against a hard chest, and hair roughened legs tangled with mine, that

I realized Kayden had no intention of letting me fight this one alone. His warm

presence slipped into my hollow spaces, crowding out my waiting fears, and silently promised to hold the nightmares at bay. “Sleep, baby. I’ve got your six.”

Taking him at his word, I closed my eyes and surrendered.

THE SUN ROSE at an ungodly hour in summer. Even the blinds had a hard time holding it back. Warm tendrils teased my face, urging me to wake. Not ready to

get up just yet, I tucked my face under the edge of the sheet. My movement caused the palm cradling my breast to tighten at the same time as a heavy thigh

slid between my legs.

Recognition sparked in my body before my mind caught up. I remembered

Kayden slipping into the bed last night, or was it this morning? The fact I managed at least a few hours of sleep was a minor miracle, but I was grateful for

the reprieve and didn’t want to give it up. Not yet. Too soon, we’d be back in it.

So, I decided to enjoy being wrapped up in Kayden. Considering this was the

first time I’d woken up with someone, it was…nice. Lame word, but it worked.

My few prior relationships consisted of scratching an itch, so lingering until morning wasn’t my norm. I found courage in the steady, deep rhythm of his breaths. Not wanting to wake him, I carefully feathered my hand over the arm at

my waist, keeping my touch light.

His palm rested against my lower stomach, while his other hand continued to

cradle my breast, his fingers occasionally flexing. My body found that interesting. I indulge my curiosity and took my time tracing the muscles in his arm, over and over. I enjoyed the freedom to do so. Enjoyed the feel of him.

A soft kiss pressed just below my ear, the silky brush of his goatee sending a

parade of shivers over my skin. “Good morning.” Against my spine, his chest vibrated.

“Morning.” My answer was soft, as I was unwilling to break the strange

quiet between us.

He continued to nibble his way down my neck, setting off little fires along my nerve endings.

Wanting more, I arched my neck in silent entreaty, my hand tightening on his

arm.

His answer was to nudge the loose neck of my T-shirt aside with his mouth

and nip the skin along the top of my shoulder. His caress caused an unmistakable

reaction as my nipples peaked. His hand molded my breast through cotton and lace.

I turned halfway toward him, my spine curving and forcing the aching

mound of my breast deeper into his palm. Despite the awkwardness of him being

behind me, I sank my free hand into his sleep-tousled hair and tugged to gain his

attention.

He lifted his head and his blue eyes, dark and heated, met mine.

“I want to cash in my rain check.” My voice was husky, but strong.

“You sure?” He didn’t give me a chance to respond, but dipped his head to

take my mouth with a stunning intensity that brought every nerve ending to bright, sparkling life. His earlier gentleness disappeared to be replaced by a masculine demand I was all too ready to answer. Our tongues tangled and

caressed, each stroke urging the sweet heat of desire higher and higher, until need and want became one.

Only when he drew back did I realize I was now on my back with Kayden

rising above me, his chest bare. My T-shirt was twisted and bunched at my waist.

Desire darkened his face, turning his gaze heavy-lidded and alluring, and

changing the warrior into a dangerously wicked seducer. His deft hands left

burning trails along my ribs as they glided over my bare skin. His touch was light, careful of my lingering aches. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“What do you think?” I undulated under him, my body restless with

burgeoning desire.

“I think you’re going to have to tell me what you want.” He dropped another

hot, open-mouth kiss against the base of my throat, using a gentle suction to leave his mark. “Just so we make sure you get your money’s worth. I wouldn’t

want you to leave disappointed.” He lifted his head, his smile pure male challenge.

That look brought a previously quiescent temptress to the fore, one who was