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“I love you,” I say between pecks.

“I didn’t know it would feel like this,” she says. Her voice is half awed and half exhausted.

“Me either.” I draw a blanket up around her shoulders.

“Is it like this for everyone?” she wonders.

“No. Just you and me.” I don’t care if other people say they feel the same. I know they don’t. What Birdie and I have is special. She’s the last piece of my life’s puzzle and I won’t ever let her go.

Chapter Thirteen

Birdie

I jump up and down as I try to slide the pants up my legs. I had no idea it would be this hard to put on leather pants. Nor did I ever think that I’d actually get a chance to wear them. I’d bought them because they looked badass and were only five bucks at the thrift store. Thinking maybe I’d wear them to a concert or something. Even though I don’t go to concerts. Let’s face it, I couldn’t pass up the five dollar bargain. It was a damn steal. After the struggle, I finally get them up. I grab my black sweater that falls off of one shoulder before pulling on black boots. I hear the shower go off in the bathroom and really wish Nick would have let me join him. I’d taken an hour soak in the tub to relax after our lovemaking but he said that I needed a little more time to heal.

I blush thinking about the kisses he gave me between my thighs. I have no problem waiting if he keeps on giving me those. At least for a little while, but I was craving the closeness that the lovemaking brought us. I am only a little sore and I know my body will be more than okay with another round with Nick.

I head to the bathroom, open the door, and run to hide behind the wall that separates you from the sitting area in the bedroom. He calls my name. I put my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing.

“Birdie.” He tries again. I hear him move. Right as he crosses the doorway I jump out in front of him.

“BOO!” I scream. He doesn’t even flinch. I guess I’m not a scary spy. It doesn’t matter, I’m stealthy and that’s what we’ll need if we’re going to get the information.

“Fucking hell. What are you wearing?” I look down at my black leather pants and sweater.

“I’m a ninja spy.” Obviously. How can he not tell?

“I don’t think ninjas are this sexy.” He picks me up, carrying me over to the small kitchen and setting me on the counter. This place really is like a fancy apartment. I am definitely starting to realize how rich Nick is. He doesn’t act rich but this place screams money. Though I’m not exactly sure how rich people act. Maybe this is normal for most people and I’m so used to only getting by that I’ve lost touch.

“You think I look sexy?” I tilt my head to the side, causing my sweater to fall off my shoulder.

“You always look sexy but these pants are something else.”

I hold up my hand, wiggling my fingers. “Five dollars at Trudy’s thrift store. Can you get that kind of deal at this Barney’s you speak of?”

He laughs. “I don’t think you can get anything at Barney’s for five dollars. Not even a cup of coffee.” He leans down, brushing his mouth against mine. I slide my hands up his back, deepening this kiss as I let out a small happy moan into his mouth. I’ve never felt so connected to someone before. He pulls back with a reluctant grunt.

“You should stay here,” he says. I can see he’s having an inner battle with himself.

“No way. I already put my ninja gear on.” I jump off the counter, trying to do a kick at the same time. Luckily, Nick catches me so I don’t face plant on the hotel room floor. “Clearly the outfit alone doesn’t make you a ninja but I’ll blend in with the dark.”

“What if something happens?” He rights me on my feet as he brings his hands up to cup my face. He holds me so gently, like I’m the most precious, fragile thing in the world. His eyes are tender as they gaze into mine. I can see the worry that lines his face. I reach a hand up and let my fingers run over his now frowning face.

“You own that house, Nick. This isn’t trespassing,” I remind him. Sure, his uncle lives there but Nick’s father owned everything. All of it was left to Nick and he deserved to have it. He’d spent his whole life there. All of his memories of his parents are there and I’ll be damned if I let anyone take that away from him. I’d spent the entire drive here reading over anything and everything I could get my hands on. Nick already had a bunch of notes on things that had caught his eye as suspicious and I added to it. That fucker of an uncle is going down.