Page 71 of Beyond the Cut
Asleep
Are you sleeping?
Yes. I’m fast asleep
Wake up, babe. I’m here
Dawn heard the rattle of a key in the lock and the thud of a dead bolt. The front door creaked open and footsteps echoed through the house. When she looked up, Cade stood in the doorway, arms folded, blocking the light from the hallway.
“Where did you get the key?”
“Had it made when we replaced the door.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “You didn’t think to ask?”
“You’re my old lady. I need easy access.” He kept his voice low as he walked toward her, his handsome face partially obscured by the shadows. “What are you doing on the floor?”
“I’ve waited so long to have them back, spent so many nights imagining they were here, after I put them to bed, I couldn’t leave. I want to watch them in case it isn’t real or in case it doesn’t last and they’re suddenly taken away.” She pressed a fist to her mouth. “I’m so confused, Cade. One moment I’m bursting with joy, and the next I’m terrified I’ll lose them again. I don’t think I could bear it.”
A pained expression crossed Cade’s face and he sat on the floor beside her, his leather creaking as he put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest.
“What are you doing?”
“Keeping you company.”
“Cade…” She tried to push away, but he held her tight. “You don’t have to do this. If you want to stay, you can take my bed.”
“There aren’t many precious moments in life, babe.” He stroked his fingers over her bare arm. “Best to appreciate them when they happen, and even better if you’re not alone. We’ll watch them together. Keep them safe.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “You want to sit on a cold, hard floor all night watching two little girls sleep?”
“Maia and Tia,” he said. “Not just two little girls. Your girls. And I know you’re worried. That’s why I’m here for as long as you need me.”
Dawn tried to wrap her mind around the fact a big, badass biker was sitting on the floor with her, in a room full of princess toys. Not only that, he seemed prepared to stay. “That’s very sweet.”
Cade chuckled. “For a sinner.”
“You have a good heart for a sinner. Strong, brave, loyal. And you’re not so bad in bed.”
Dawn leaned up and nuzzled his neck. Cade groaned.
“Don’t start something that can’t be finished in here with your kids. I’m supposed to get a reward for good behavior. Not a punishment.”
“I’ll just sit here and dream up a suitable reward.”
But when he tucked her under his arm and settled her back against his chest, Dawn knew he understood. Now she needed her girls. Later was for him.
***
Cade startled awake when Dawn placed a hand on his shoulder. Last thing he remembered, he’d carried her to bed, fast asleep, then come back to watch over the girls.
“What are you still doing here?” She kept her voice to a low hush so she didn’t wake the children.
“Thought I’d keep watch after you fell asleep.” He pushed himself to his feet and Dawn reached up and stroked a hand along his jaw, rough with a five o’clock shadow.
“That’s probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“That mean it’s time for my reward?” He slid a hand over her hip and along the edge of those damn sexy shorts she wore to bed. He loved her in those shorts. Probably more than he loved her in lingerie.
