Page 112 of Deadly Designs
Aja Blue grabbed Kai and hugged him, loosening hergrip when he squeaked. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. What for?”
“Reminding me of a cherished memory.”
When Aja Blue released him, Christian took his turn,embracing the pint-sized sweetheart.
“What wasthatfor?” Kai wanted to know.
“Putting that smile on my girl’s face. I shouldn’thave doubted you, Little C. You’re incredible.”
Kai gave an aw-shucks grin and then was swept awaywhen the other kids descended, wanting their leader.
The afternoon flew by with laughter, camaraderie,and—she gazed at Christian—love. His people had welcomed her as oneof their own. She’d clicked instantly with everyone and fallen inlove with the setting. It was beautiful and serene, and she couldeasily picture a life with Christian here.
He opened the door to his apartment and ushered herinside. Before she could say a word, he backed her against the walland kissed her thoroughly.
“I’ve wanted to do that all day.”
She jerked him tighter against her, letting him knowshe was fine. “I wouldn’t have said no.”
Christian pulled back and cupped her face. “I hopetoday wasn’t overwhelming for you.”
Aja Blue thought about stringing it out and makinghim sweat, but why? She loved this man more than life. All shewanted was for him to be happy. “I had a wonderful time. It wasexactly what I needed after the last couple of weeks.”
“And the compound?”
“Stunning.”
“The people?”
“Amazing.”
He sighed with relief. “Thank goodness.”
“But . . .”
His hands dropped, and wariness creased his handsomeface. She hated putting it there, so she quickly added, “Itwouldn’t matter if the place was covered with weeds, refuse, andgraffiti. If the people were nasty and unfriendly. All that mattersis that you’re here, and that’s the only place I want to be.”
Christian yanked her against him and kissed herdeeply. Then he swung her into his arms and dashed for thebedroom.
After a frenzied bout of the most mind-blowing sexever, she lay against his chest, listening to the steady beat ofhis heart.
“Did you mean it?” he asked.
She propped up on one arm. “About staying here?”
He nodded.
“I meant every word. We are going to have an amazinglife.”
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