She started to turn over, but he put pressure on the cheeks of her bottom, holding her in place, and it was too much trouble. She really was exhausted, although it was so sweet of him to take care of her car—and she was elated to have it back.
His hand was mesmerizing. “You need to pay attention, Seychelle. This is important. I don’t like leaving you alone. I’d rather you stay here at the house, where I know you’re safe, or keep you with me at the clubhouse, but you have to get your things. You’re going to need clothes for the run. Whatever you want to bring with you.”
She didn’t think now was the right time to engage in an argument about her objections to going with him. She was too sleepy, and he seemed tense. “I’m listening.”
“I’ve left a list of suggested clothing. Things you might want to bring. We travel light. We’re on the bike, but we’ll be gone a few days. Go to your house in Sea Haven. I’ll have one of the prospects on you. When you’re ready to leave here, text me. I’ll let you know when he’s here waiting to follow you. Don’t leave until he’s with you. Understand?”
“Of course.” She wasn’t going to object, although now that Joseph Arnold was gone, she was certain she was safe. Savage was the one with the hit out on him. “I’ve been thinking about this security thing. I’m happy to oblige you. But I do think you need to have a couple of your brothers with you at all times until the threat against you has passed.” She did her best to muffle her voice in the sheets, because she didn’t want to sound like she was laughing. She knew what his reaction would be.
There was a long silence. “Babe.”
That one word. Another long silence. She dared to look up at him from under the sweep of her lashes. He was weighing his words carefully. She buried her face deeper in the pillow.
“You do recall that I told you I am a trained assassin.”
“Ummm. I was thinking about that, Savage. Your skills might be rusty.” She was really tired and not at her best, but she could mess with him as long as he couldn’t see her face. “I think you should promise me that you won’t go anywhere without someone with you just so I’m not so nervous all the time.” She pushed just a tiny quiver into her voice. Not a lot. He’d know then.
Savage continued rubbing her bottom soothingly as he bent his head close to hers. “Baby, you know I’d give you the fucking moon if you asked for it, and the brothers do usually ride with me, but I don’t want you going around worried. There’s no need. I’ve got all my skills and I’m on alert. Let’s keep the focus on your safe …”
He trailed off, his lips against her ear. Suddenly, his teeth were there, biting down on her lobe, and she burst into laughter, the sound muffled by the mouthful of pillow.
“Ow. Ow. Ow.” She pushed at him, still laughing. “You deserved that. And you are getting kind of old. Who knows if your mind is going? I haven’t seen you practicing your ninja skills. Shouldn’t you have one of those obstacle courses set up in the backyard to keep you in shape?” She patted his stomach. It felt like iron, but she acted like he might have a little pouch.
“You weren’t saying I was old last night.” He nuzzled her neck, pushing her hair out of the way so he could have better access.
“Go away. You’re waking me up, and I was having a blissful dream about … umm …” She closed her eyes and subsided into the pillows again. “Best not to rile you up again.”
“If you were about to say another man, that’s not permitted, even in your dreams.” He gave her a very hard smack on her bottom and looked satisfied when she yelped. “I really do prefer you just stay home today and wait for me to take you to your cottage.”
She resisted rolling her eyes. “I need to go into Sea Haven and do some shopping. Women things. Might need to stop by the Floating Hat and get a hex or two as well.” She hoped to make him smile again.
“It can’t wait until we get back from the run?”
His hand on her bottom was bringing every nerve ending screaming back to life, centering her awareness to his mesmerizing touch.
“Birth control. Feminine products. Things for women. Hexes for controllers for on and off switches. No, honey. Can’t put those off.”
His palm followed the curve of her cheeks, fingers just barely brushing her slick heat. Her sex clenched, wept for him. She closed her eyes and let herself savor belonging to him. He was clearly struggling with the thought of leaving her alone. He’d told her from the beginning he wanted her with him, and he’d kept to that.