Her Dominant SEAL(70)
“I’m not good company.” He turned so she wouldn’t see his wound.
She tugged at his arm, it was useless. He wasn’t moving.
“Couples share good times and bad times with each other. So, Drake Jefferson Avery, you’re coming upstairs with me. Now, march.”
His lips twitched. She certainly had a way about her. But she needed to understand.
“Karen, I’m in a shit mood. I should probably be by myself. I think I need a head transplant so I can deal with things.”
“Fine, I can help with that. Now move that fine ass up those stairs.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Fine ass?”
Her hand reached around and cupped his butt. “This fine ass belongs up in my bed.”
“Honey, I’m-”
“Oh for pity’s sake. We’re not having sex. I think you need someone to take care of you for a change.”
His eyes went flat. He stared at her. “And how do you intend to accomplish that?”
“Oh, Drake. Can I just hold you tonight?”
He felt himself soften. He shouldn’t need this.
“Please, Drake. You’re always there for everyone else. Can’t you let me be there for you?”
She took his hand, and he allowed himself to be led upstairs. As soon as they got into her room, she shoved him to the bathroom. “Go on, you know you want to shower.”
“Thanks.”
When he got out of the glass enclosure, there were clean sweat pants waiting for him. He sighed. For God’s sake, he’d been wanting this woman so bad that his teeth ached for the last four days, but there he was putting on his sweats and leaving his wallet and condoms in the bathroom. He was pathetic.
He walked into the bedroom. Karen had the comforter turned down, and the moonlight was especially bright against the snow. She was still wearing her purple sweats. He laughed at himself. At least, he was man enough that part of him had been hoping she’d have been naked.
“Did I just see a grin?”
“Maybe,” he drawled.
“Good.” She blinked owlishly, then got up on her knees. “Dammit to hell, are you coming into this bed injured? Scratch that. More injured?”
He swiveled his head and looked at the back of his arm. “It’s nothing. Seriously, it barely bled in the shower.”
She got out of the bed and marched to the bathroom. Hers was the fine ass. It swayed when she marched. Drake wondered if she’d been in the marching band. Then she was back with a towel.
“Lie down on this.”
“Only if you lie down on me.”
“Will that get you to talk?” she asked.
He laid down and held out his arms. She snuggled against him, and he pulled the covers over them.
“Can you tell me?”
“What are your parents like?” he asked her.
“Normal. My mom and dad own a construction company in Alaska,” she said slowly.
“Sounds nice.”
“It was. It is. You’ll like them. They’ll really like you. Just what they need, another son,” she said in a teasing voice. “But on the upside, I’ll be giving them six other daughters.”
He pushed her away from him and turned on the bedside lamp, then pushed back the hair from her face. “Are you for fucking real?” he rasped.
She stared at him.
“Answer me.”
“Tell me about it, Drake.”
“Mom planned to kill Piper for Granny’s inheritance. That’s the garbage I come from. My own mom planned to kill a little girl, her own daughter, for some fucking money. How in the hell could you want a piece of me?”
Horrified, he felt his eyes well up with tears. How could his mother want Piper dead?
“How do I tell her Karen? What do I tell any of them? How can I possibly explain that?”
“You’ll find a way. You’ve been protecting these girls all of their lives.”
“Piper will be so hurt.”
“Your love will make it better.”
“I don’t see how it can.”
“It’s made all the difference for me.”
Green and gold eyes shimmered up at him. “I hope to hell it has. It’s all I have to give, and it isn’t much.”
“It’s everything. Now turn off the light and hold me.”
Her eyes spoke of years and dreams and love. He turned off the light and pulled her into his arms.
“No sex?” he asked eventually.
“We’re not having sex with a houseful of sisters,” she said in that hot schoolteacher voice.
“But we will have sex eventually, right?”
“I promise.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Uncle Dwake?”
Drake looked around, he was alone in bed. Bella was holding a biscuit out to him, it was dripping with butter and jelly.