Warrick gave a harsh laugh. “You don’t even want to know half the shit the government authorizes, Sienna.”
More silence and he chanced another glance at her. Her face was drawn taut and she worried her bottom lip between her teeth.
“They’re going to wipe my memory.” It wasn’t a question.
His gut clenched with regret and he wished like hell he had more control over her fate. But there was a hierarchy in the P.I.A. and in the big picture he was a pretty small fish.
“I can’t answer that,” he finally said honestly. “Nothing is certain.”
It was a tricky situation. Sienna hadn’t yet given them the information she was withholding, which was probably the only reason the specialist hadn’t been summoned to wipe her. Though Warrick was realistic enough to acknowledge that the minute she opened up there’d be no reason not to wipe her memory.
And now she likely knew that as well.
“That’s horrible,” she whispered angrily.
He made a silent laugh and shook his head. It was merciful compared to what the old procedure was when a human discovered a shifter.
“But they didn’t wipe you when you found out. Or my f—” she broke off from what she’d been about to say. “Why? Why are some humans allowed to know and not others?”
This conversation was definitely leading into dangerous waters. “It’s late, Sienna. Go to sleep.”
“How can I sleep?” she choked out. “How can I possibly sleep after hearing that?”
She started to climb out of bed and he moved swiftly, throwing an arm around her waist and hauling her back.
“You’ll just have to try.”
Sienna’s body went rigid and he heard the air hiss out between her teeth. “Really? You’re going to enforce my sleep schedule now? Fine, I’ll try. But you need to let me go.”
“I don’t think so, kid.”
She tried to throw his arm free, but he tightened his grip around her waist and gave one little tug, sliding her slender body directly back against his.
She made a noise of frustration. “Is this really necessary?”
“Yes. I need sleep tonight and this is the only way I’m going to get it.” That and he liked the feel of her ass against his dick. Shit. That last thought had not just gone through his head.
He should’ve taken the floor again. Only who knew if he would’ve woken up after getting his head bashed in. Especially now that she had a pretty good idea what her future held.
Sienna didn’t reply and if anything the tension within her body grew. Warrick waited her out, half dozing himself, but keenly aware of every move she made, aware of her fight to not sleep. He knew the exact moment she lost her fight, though. Her body softened against him and soon her breathing evened out, her stomach rising and falling gently against his hand.
He let his fingers trace over the softness of her abdomen and breathed in the scent of her.
Balanced on the edge of sleep and wakefulness, he couldn’t deny how damn good it felt to hold Sienna in his arms.
Chapter Seven
Warrick’s eyes snapped open. Something was different. The room was still dark but holding a hint of light from the full moon outside. He tried to shake the disorientation, but realization came slowly.
Sienna had rolled over so they faced each other, her soft curves now pressed against his body. One leg was thrown over his thigh, her breasts were crushed against his chest, and her head rested against his shoulder…
And she was breathing very unsteadily. Her muscles taut. Son of a bitch, he’d wager she was wide the hell awake too.
Put her aside. Fucking put her aside and get the hell out of this bed.
The blood stirred in his groin and his jaw clenched.
Get up, Warrick.
He closed his eyes and tried not to think about the hard press of her nipples against his bare chest.
Dammit, go!
All he had to do was release her, then slide out of bed and use the bathroom. Get water. Anything to put some space between them for a few minutes until his body calmed down.
The hairs on his body lifted and tension slid through his body, his nerves strung tight with need and awareness.
So soft, lush…Sienna.
So forbidden. Get away from her.
He ground his teeth together and eased toward the edge of the bed.
Her lips brushed against the curve of his neck. “Don’t leave.”
Her husky plea snapped Warrick’s resilient control like a twig. Pure animal instinct took over, sucking away the little resistance he had left.
The arm he held curved around her waist jerked her tighter against him, and then his mouth crushed down on hers as savage hunger roared through his blood.
Have to have her. Have to just taste her once after all these years.