Chapter 36
THIRTY-SIX
B ack at Clover’s cottage, Rook fussed over her nonstop, arranging pillows on the couch and wrapping her in the softest blanket she owned.
“I’m not an invalid,” she protested as he tucked the blanket around her feet.
“Humor me.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You used a lot of magic tonight.”
“Worth it to see Hudson’s face.” She grinned at the memory. “Though I still can’t believe he thought he could get away with it.”
“He won’t be trying anything else.” Rook settled beside her, drawing her against his chest. “With him exiled and cut off from the family, his attempts to take over Katz Corp are finished. The board won’t touch him now.”
“Good.” She snuggled closer, enjoying his warmth. “Though I have to admit, part of me hopes he tries something else, just so I can turn his hair rainbow-colored this time.”
A knock interrupted Rook’s chuckle. Xabir stood in the doorway, laden with containers that filled the air with mouth-watering aromas.
“Special delivery from Romi,” he announced. “She said, and I quote, ‘Make sure my cousin actually eats instead of making googly eyes at her tiger all night.’“
“We do not make googly eyes,” Clover protested.
Xabir’s raised eyebrow spoke volumes. “Sure, you don’t. That’s why Rook spent two days straight at your bedside, growling at anyone who came too close.”
“I did not growl.” Rook’s ears had turned pink.
“Bro, you literally snarled at the mailman.”
“He was being suspiciously cheerful.”
“He was whistling.”
“Exactly. Suspicious.”
Clover burst out laughing at their bickering. “Thank you for bringing the food, Xabir. Tell Romi I promise to eat.”
After Xabir left, Rook heated up Romi’s care package while Clover scrolled through streaming options.
“Ooh, perfect!” She clicked play on a new true crime documentary. “I’ve been wanting to watch this one.”
Rook paused in the act of bringing her a plate. “A serial killer documentary? Really?”
“It’s fascinating!”
“It’s disturbing.” But he settled back beside her, passing over her food. “Why do you want to watch people murder each other?”
“For the psychology of it. And the investigation techniques.” She took a bite of Romi’s perfectly seasoned chicken. “Plus, you can learn a lot about disposing of bodies.”
Rook slowly turned to stare at her. “Should I be concerned?”
“Only if you make me mad.” She batted her eyelashes innocently. “I’ve gotten some great ideas from these shows.”
“That’s... very concerning.”
“Relax, tiger. It’s perfectly normal. Most girls love true crime.”
“That’s even more concerning. Why are women so twisted?”
“Says the man who literally turns into a giant predator.”
“That’s different.”
“Mm-hmm.” She patted his chest consolingly. “Keep telling yourself that.”
Despite his protests, Rook was drawn into the documentary, offering commentary on the investigative procedures and occasionally suggesting better ways the killer could have covered their tracks.
“Now who’s twisted?” Clover teased.
“I’m being strategic.”
“You just explained three different ways to destroy evidence.”
“Professional curiosity.”
She turned to face him fully, eyes dancing with mischief. “Face it, tiger. You’re just as fascinated by the dark side as I am.”
“Maybe I’m just fascinated by you.” His voice dropped lower, sending shivers down her spine.
“Smooth talker.” But she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
Rook’s response was immediate and heated. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. Clover’s magic sparked between them, reaching for his tiger energy.
When she tried to straddle his lap, however, he pulled back with a groan.
“You need to rest.”
“I’m perfectly fine.” She nipped at his lower lip.
“Clover.” His voice was strained. “You’re still recovering.”
“But—”
In one smooth motion, he stood, lifting her into his arms. “Bedtime.”
“I like where this is going.”
“For sleeping.”
“You’re no fun.” But she couldn’t help smiling at his careful handling as he carried her to the bedroom.
He tucked her under the covers with the same tender attention he’d shown all evening. When she tried to pull him down for another kiss, he caught her hands, pressing a kiss to each palm.
“Rest now,” he murmured. “When you’re fully healed, you can take advantage of me as many times as you want.”
“Promise?” She blinked up at him drowsily, suddenly aware of how tired she really was.
“Promise.” He slid into bed beside her, gathering her close. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” She snuggled into his warmth, already drifting. “Because I have plans for you, tiger.”
His chuckle rumbled through his chest. “I look forward to it. Sleep now, little witch.”
Clover meant to argue further, but his steady heartbeat and gentle fingers stroking her hair lulled her under. The last thing she felt was his kiss against her temple and his whispered, “I love you.”