Page 78 of Under His Protection
Hell, I want us to sleep together every night for the rest of our lives.
After we’re in bed, I reach over to turn off the lamp. Haley turns to me and rests her head on my shoulder and lays her armover my waist. Her bare skin feels cool against mine, so I wrap my arms around her and pull the covers up over us.
“You’re sure you’re okay?” I ask.
She yawns. “I’m perfect.”
Haley falls asleep pretty quickly, but I lie awake for a long time. Tomorrow is the first day she’ll be returning to campus with a bodyguard escort. I’ll be with her, shadowing her the entire day, never more than a few feet away from her.
God help anyone who tries to get between us.
* * *
Despite all the uncertainty and hypervigilance, I have the best night of sleep ever. Waking up with Haley in my arms is a dream come true. No, that’s an understatement. I’ve literally dreamed of this so many times, I’ve lost count.
I lie perfectly still, not moving a muscle because I don’t want to wake her. It’s early, and right now, she needs sleep more than anything.
I turn my face toward her, press my nose into her hair, and take a deep breath. She always smells so good. Even her hair smells fucking good, like strawberries or something. I skim my nose lower, to her forehead. Her skin is like an aphrodisiac to me. Everything about her turns me on. The feel of her skin, the way she smells, her voice. The feel of her gentle breaths on me.
I’m so far gone over her. If the guys knew what I was thinking, they’d never let me live it down.
I don’t think she has the slightest idea of the power she holds over me. One word from her can either make me or crush me.
I check the time—it’s six am. She has her first class today at nine, so we’ve got some time.
Honestly, I’d be happy to lie here all day with her. If last night hadn’t been her first time, I’d be tempted to kiss her awake, hoping she’d be interested in some morning sex. But I’m sure she’s sore this morning.
At six-thirty, my alarm goes off. I hit the snooze button, but it’s too late. She’s stirring now, making soft unhappy noises.
Haley lifts her head off my shoulder. “What time is it?”
“Six-thirty. I’m sorry I forgot to adjust my alarm.”
She groans again. “That’s okay. I need to shower this morning since we—well, you know.”
“Me, too. Let’s get ready, grab breakfast, and we’ll leave at eight-fifteen. Don’t be surprised if Charlie makes an appearance downstairs. She’s going to want to remind you for the hundredth time not to leave my sight while we’re on campus.”
Haley starts to throw off the covers, but she stops short when she remembers she’s not wearing anything.
I get up and grab my discarded T-shirt from last night. It’ll be huge on her, but at least she’ll have something covering her. “Here. Put this on.”
“Thanks.” She holds my Chicago Cubs T-shirt to her nose and inhales.
“Oh, sorry. I’ll get you a clean—”
“No.” She smiles. “It smells like you. I like it.”
That’s got to be the hottest thing anyone has ever said to me.
She slips the shirt on and gets out of bed. My T-shirt is so long on her it easily covers her ass. “I’ll go shower now.” She leans forward to kiss me. “I’ll see you in a bit.” And then she walks out of the room.
After getting dressed, I head downstairs to use the half bath off the kitchen before I start the coffeemaker.
There’s an audible beep as the security system disengages. The back door opens, and Charlie walks in. She’s wearing blackjeans, a sleeveless T-shirt that shows off trim, muscular arms, and sneakers. “Oh, good. Coffee. Thanks, Philip.”
“You’re welcome. Where’s Mateo?”
“In the shower. He’ll be along in a few minutes.” She looks around. “Where is our charge?”
