“Not just me. He’s doing what’s best to catch him. That protects every woman. He can’t jeopardize that just for me.”
I couldn’t stop the growl that rose up from my chest. “Just for you?” How did I fall for the most selfless girl in the world? Her lack of self-preservation was going to be the death of me.
She nodded, looking less sure now, and I hated that. I kissed the top of her head. “Good thing you have me then.”
She shifted to the front of me, pressed herself close, and squeezed her arms around me like a vise around my heart. I could barely breathe through the pressure in my chest.
I’d burn the fucking world to the ground if that’s what it took to keep her safe. My Firefly. She truly was a light in this dark and ugly world, and I wouldn’t let anything dim it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Jenna
“Hey, Firefly,” Liam whispered, waking me. His hand smoothed over my hair, and I burrowed deeper into him. “Let’s go in. It’s late.”
I slowly opened my eyes to a sky full of stars, the glow of the last few embers of the dying fire, and the most incredible man beside me. “No,” I mumbled. Even with the horrifying revelations of this morning, the frustrating conversation with the cop, and self-defense lessons that even I had to admit were helpful, we still managed to have a great evening. We played super competitive Connect Four and ate too many s’mores, and now that I was finally relaxed, I didn’t want it to end. “Not yet. Look at all the stars.”
He was quiet for a long moment, gently pushing the swing. “You can take my room, and I’ll sleep in the guest?—”
I silenced him with my hand over his mouth. “Stop talking.” I sat up, keeping my hand over his lips. “I want to stay out here because I’m enjoying it, not because I’m avoiding going in. Iloved sleeping with you last night, and I absolutely want to do it again.”
His eyes found mine in the dark, searching for my truth as he kissed my palm and gently lowered my hand. “I know today’s been a tough day, and I know I forced you to come here. I don’t want you to feel like I’m forcing you into bed.”
I hated that he thought that. Truth is, there was nowhere I wanted to be more than in his bed, in his arms. “I’m scared, but not of you. I promise. Take me to bed with you, Liam.”
He stood, pulling me into a hug. “I’m going to protect you with everything I have, Firefly.”
“I know you will.” I had no doubt he would do his absolute best. I also had no illusions that he could protect me from everything forever.
We washed up, and when I came out of the bathroom, Liam was standing by his closet, waiting. “C’mere.” He took my hand and tugged me closer, then pointed inside his closet. There, propped up against the wall right next to the door, was a baseball bat. “It’s here for now, and we can move it closer to the bed if you’d like. There are also nightlights in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and hallway. Is there anything else I can do to make you feel safe? Do you want me to push the bed against the wall?”
Warmth spread through my chest, and I fell in love with him even more. “No, this is more than enough.” I steered him toward the bed. When the back of his knees hit the bed, he sat, and I stepped between his legs. “I’ll be good just having you with me.”
“You’ll be the big spoon again?”
“Maybe…can we decide when we’re ready to go to sleep?”
“You’re not ready to sleep?” He frowned, worry marring his handsome face.
I slid my hands up his shoulders and grabbed hold of his hair. “Nope.” I lowered my lips to his, liking how we were almost thesame height with him sitting. “I’ve dreamed of being in your bed for so long, Liam. They aren’t going to ruin this for us.”
Liam rewarded me with a brilliant smile, then he lifted my pajama top and flicked his tongue over my nipple. “I’ve dreamed of having you here, too, Firefly. Come to bed with me.” He held my hips and pulled me down on the bed with him, and soon I had no other thoughts or feelings besides how amazing he made me feel.
My phone vibrated on the nightstand. I ignored it and nuzzled into Liam.
“It’s early for a Sunday morning. Maybe you should see who’s calling?”
“Ugh. I’m too comfy for you to be so reasonable.” I leaned over to grab it anyway, though, because once again, it was hard to disagree with him when he was so...well, reasonable, and as I was starting to learn, I’d been acting on emotional impulses for most of my life.
It was Tyler! Relief washed over me, but nerves quickly took hold. He’d been ignoring my texts and calls all week. I even called my parents to make sure they’d heard from him, and they had. He was only avoiding me, the horrible sister who was skipping his graduation.
Liam was watching me with concern. I didn’t know if this was going to be a quick hello or a heavy talk, which I’d rather not have in front of him, but I didn’t want to be rude and walk away either.
I sat up against the headboard, forced a smile, and swiped across to answer. No more secrets, right?
“Hey, Teddy Bear!”
“Hi.”