Chapter Six
DORIAN
Lisette’s in my cabin, and my first instinct is to lock the door and keep her here. I can’t think of a damn good reason why I shouldn’t.
She’d be safe, and I’d be keeping my promise to Florine to take care of her.
Starting with feeding her. I knew it had been a long day for both of us, so when we arrived, I cooked up some stew and served it with the bread I bought in town this morning. That’s where I was when I spotted her.
There was something intensely satisfying about making a meal for her. Seeing to her comfort. Watching her face light up when I said I’d cook and clean up. She tried to argue, but it’s my cabin. My rules.
While she’s here, she doesn’t have to lift a finger.
Now, she’s wandering through my cabin, touching my stuff as if it all fascinates her. I don’t let people in my cabin, but with Lisette, everything is different.
“Are these your grandfather’s medals?” she asks, touching the side of the frame.
I had them put into a shadowbox, along with his military photo and a picture of him with some of his team when they were in Vietnam. In the center is the silver star he received for bravery.
“Yes. Florine gave them to me.”
She looks back over her shoulder. “Why did she have them?”
Because my grandpa knew better than to leave them with my old man. “He asked her to keep them until I was old enough.” Neither of them could have known I wouldn’t see her for twenty years.
“She gave them to you when you visited her?”
I nod.
“I wish I’d met him.”
“So do I.” Grandpa Morgan would have loved her. Especially since she was Florine’s granddaughter.
Lisette looks closer at the medals. “He was awarded a silver star?”
“He was a Green Beret in Vietnam before the draft. One of the Special Advisors. He specialized in medical aid.” Like me.
She looks back over her shoulder. “You said you were in the Army too?”
I nod. “Only branch that would take me.”
Her face softens, and she comes closer. “Because of foster care?”
She knew? I couldn’t tell her. When Child Services came, I didn’t know where they were taking me. I was half afraid it was to jail. “They take the kids that age out of the system and want a real future.”
“Did you become a Green Beret, like your grandfather?”
“Yes. I wanted to be like him.” And nothing like my father.
Lisette closes the last distance between us. She’s so small, so delicate compared to me. Is this how Grandpa Morgan felt standing next to Florine? No wonder he loved her. She would have fit perfectly in his arms, the way Lisette does in mine.
“Did you also win a silver star?” She reaches up and traces my scar. “For bravery?”
Her touch wrecks me. My eyes slide closed, and I lean into her hand, seeking contact. I haven’t been with a woman since before it happened. Most recoil from the scar. Not my Lisette. I don’t think she’s afraid of anything.
“For this?”
I feel her lips trace the ragged edge and my breath grows choppy. The curve of her hips fits perfectly in my palms. “Lisette,” I whisper, the word full of pain and longing.
My eyes open as her fingers spear through my hair, pulling my head down as she rises up to kiss me. It’s gentler than our first kiss. As sweet as she is, and far too short.
I kiss her again, feeling the fire build between us. It’s too soon, and I sure as fuck don’t deserve her, but I’ll give her anything she wants. Including myself.
I swipe my tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss. She moans softly, meeting my urgency.
It’s rough and primal, tender and soft. I want to experience all of it with my Lisette. I kiss along her jaw to the shell of her ear, then down the satiny skin of her neck to the junction of her shoulder, bare from the slouchy sweater.
I nuzzle every inch I can reach, almost desperate for her.
The need to strip her naked and spread her out right here on the floor is the only thing that breaks through the haze of my need. I’m rock hard and aching, but I won’t take her on the hard floor.
I drag in a ragged breath, and then another, forcing my body under control.
Lisette lays her head on my chest, holding me close. “I’m glad I’m here,” she says.
Part of me wishes she wasn’t. She’s too much temptation. But I sure as fuck won’t send her away. Ever.
A little yawn escapes her lips. “The stew was too good. It’s making me sleepy.”
“You take the bed.” I’ll watch over her, as promised.
She frowns. “Where will you sleep?”
“On the couch.”
She eyes it doubtfully. “Where will the other half of you sleep?”
I huff a laugh. “I’ll be fine.”
At first, I think she’ll protest. Instead, she kisses me softly and whispers goodnight.
It’s torture, listening to her in my shower. Knowing the water is skimming down her naked curves. I want to be in there, pinning her against the tile while I make her come on my hand, then my tongue.
I’ve never burned with need like this for anyone. Only Lisette.
I check the doors and windows to distract myself, making sure they’re locked, and dim the lights. I also find the extra pillow and blanket in the hall closet. I toss them on the couch though I doubt I’ll sleep.
“Dorian?”
I turn at my name on her lips, and my heart flips in my chest. Holy shit.
Her hair is damp, and she’s wearing one of my old Army shirts. The olive drab hangs down to mid-thigh, making her skin look extra creamy, and brings out the honey in her eyes.
I clear my throat and fight not to adjust myself. “Yeah, beautiful?”
She chews her lower lip. Then, “After the break in… I can’t sleep. Will you keep me company? And…”
A knot lodges in my throat. “And what?” I rasp.
She looks at me from beneath her lashes. “Hold me?”
I can’t deny her what we both want. But if I cross this line, there’s no going back. Not for me.
“You sure that’s what you want?”
“When I’m with you, I feel safe.”
I cross slowly to her, giving her the last few seconds to change her mind.
She lifts her arms to me the moment I reach her, sliding them around my neck. Sealing my fate.
I scoop her into my arms and carry her to my bed.