Page 433 of Once Upon a Fable

Kas.

He was the predator.

And...he’s here.

On my doorstep.

About to go into my house.

I blinked as my brain struggled to compute that the man who I’d stumbled upon in the wild was now here, in my domain, no longer my capturer or enemy but someone I’d chosen to welcome into my home. A home I hadn’t seen in months. A home that I’d left messy as I’d flown out the door to chase Kentucky Khalessi.

God, that felt like an eternity ago.

I didn’t even feel like the same person anymore.

I felt older, wiser, more forgiving, accepting, and calm.

Kas had made me grow, and I preferred this version of myself. I liked having someone to care for and put first. It made me feel like all the wealth I’d gathered from working long hours and daring to take chances was worth it because I finally had someone who I could share it with.

Not that he seemed happy with that in the car.

Kas gave me a look.

It wasn’t sexual or demanding, but it still sent my pulse skipping and core clenching. He was so handsome, so rugged, and untamed. His long hair needed a brush, his beard needed a trim, and his body—even dressed in cheap Walmart clothes—still bristled with power that came from fighting the elements and existing with nothing and no one.

He awed me as well as aroused me.

“You okay?” he asked softly, his voice rich and deep in the night.

I swallowed hard, picturing my bedroom and the super king bed I’d never shared with anyone. I imagined my small but perfectly usable bathroom with Kas in it. His large frame in my shower. His naked body lathered in my elderberry and olive soap, his hands touching me as I grabbed hold of the taps for balance as he—

“Gem?” Kas came forward, his forehead furrowing. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head, dispelling the fantasy.

It’d only been a few days since I’d slept with this man, but the way my body hummed for him proved it was already too long. I needed him. And soon.

“Nothing.” I beamed a smile and brushed past him. “I’m fine.”

His hand reached out and caressed my arm as I went past, sending shivers down my spine.

Aching for him, I inserted the key. The lock turned easily, and I sucked in a breath as Kas moved closer behind me.

I became hyperaware of him.

Too aware.

The boots I’d bought him from Walmart scuffed on my weed-covered stoop. His intense gaze swept over my jungle of a front garden. His lips twitched as I looked back over my shoulder, his eyes curious and shrewd in the night. “Your brother was right to mock your gardening skills on the video when you squabbled.”

I shrugged, trying to calm my jumpy heart rate. “I’ve never been one for plants.”

“Maybe that’s a way I can pay you back while I have no money.” His savage, scarred face lit up. “I’ll start another veggie patch. Get your garden producing as well as looking pretty.”

He looked positively relieved to have found an area of my life that he could contribute to. And who was I kidding? The thought of Kas shirtless and covered in mud while digging in my garden? Holy hell, the desire in my blood intensified.

He seemed oblivious as he drank in my messy section, and his hands balled as if he was about to start work immediately, even though it was almost one in the morning and we were both bedraggled from drivingcross country.

His gaze caught mine again, and the eagerness there, instead of the usual wariness, made my heart thump, sending yet more tingles through my blood.