Chapter 18 #2
Then memory rushed back. Liam. The stakeout that lasted most of the night and then coming back here and claiming her mate in the wee hours of the morning.
Her eyes flew open, and she found herself draped across his chest like a blanket, one leg thrown over his thighs, her hand resting possessively over his heart.
Deep afternoon light filtered through the window, painting his skin gold.
He was still asleep, his face relaxed in a way she’d never seen when he was awake.
He looked younger, a little softer, and breathtakingly handsome.
The mate bond hummed between them, a constant presence in the back of her mind. She could feel him even in sleep. She felt his deep contentment and satisfaction. His emotions echoed her own. It was strange and wonderful and slightly overwhelming all at once.
Her lynx purred with smug satisfaction. Told you so, her inner cat seemed to say. Told you he was ours.
Lina couldn’t argue with that assessment. Everything about this felt right. The way their bodies fit together, the way she could sense him through the bond, and the absolute certainty that she was exactly where she belonged told her they were true mates. Never to be parted.
She’d never been a morning-after person before.
In her previous relationships, which had been few and far between, she’d always been the one to slip out early and keep things casual.
The thought of lingering in bed with a lover with the possibility of awkward post-sex conversation had always made her uncomfortable.
But this wasn’t awkward. This was...perfect.
She shifted slightly, pressing a kiss to his chest, right over his heart. His arms tightened around her in response, even though he didn’t wake. He was protective, even in sleep. Her lynx approved immensely.
Her practical side tried to remind her about their mission.
They still had Mrs. E to deal with. They couldn’t spend all day in bed, no matter how appealing that sounded.
But they had a little time, yet. The surveillance was still in place, and Rich and Billy were monitoring the feeds.
Mike’s team was maintaining their watch.
They’d done everything they could for the moment.
A few more minutes of basking wouldn’t hurt anything.
Liam stirred beneath her, his hand sliding up her spine in a lazy caress. “You’re awake,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
“So are you.” She tilted her head to look up at him.
His gaze was warm, sleepy, and utterly content. “I was awake for a bit earlier. Didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Were you watching me sleep? That’s not creepy at all.” She was smiling, unable to help herself.
“Says the woman currently draped over me like a living blanket.” His hand continued its path up and down her back, sending pleasant shivers through her. “Not that I’m complaining. You can use me as a mattress anytime.”
“Generous of you.” She stretched against him, enjoying the way his eyes darkened at the movement. “How do you feel?”
“Like I got hit by a truck. The best possible truck.” He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “How about you? Any regrets?”
“Not even one.” And she meant it. Whatever happened with Mrs. E, whatever challenges lay ahead, she wouldn’t regret this. “Though I should probably feel guilty about prioritizing this over the mission.”
“The mission is ongoing. We’re still on it.” His fingers traced patterns on her shoulder blade. “And being bonded makes us stronger as a team. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.”
“Your lion is very convenient with its rationalizations.”
“My lion is very smart.” He tugged her up until she was eye level with him, then kissed her thoroughly. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing harder. “And my lion says we should stay in this bed for at least another hour.”
“Just an hour?” She raised an eyebrow. “That’s surprisingly restrained.”
“I’m being realistic. We do have a witch to catch.” His expression sobered slightly. “Tonight or tomorrow night, she’s going to show. And when she does, we need to be ready.”
“I know.” Lina settled back against his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart. “But right now, in this moment, I just want to be here. With you. Before everything gets complicated again.”
“It’s already complicated.” But his arms tightened around her. “And I wouldn’t change a damn thing.”
They lay there in comfortable silence. She’d spent her entire adult life being independent and self-sufficient, never needing anyone. The idea of being someone’s mate and being bound to another person so completely should have terrified her. Instead, it felt like coming home.
“We should probably get up,” she said eventually, though she made no move to actually do so.
“Probably,” Liam agreed, also not moving. “I should check in with Rich and review the surveillance footage. We need to go over the plans for tonight.”
“We should also eat and shower.” She paused. “Maybe we should shower together, to conserve water.”
She felt his chest rumble with laughter beneath her. “Very environmentally conscious of you.”
“I’m a giver.” She laughed and pushed herself up to straddle him, enjoying the immediate flare of heat in his eyes. “But first, since we have a little time...”
“Yeah?” His hands settled on her hips, thumbs stroking the sensitive skin there.
“I think we should test this mate bond thing. Make sure it’s working properly.” She leaned down until her lips were almost touching his. “Thoroughly.”
“I like the way you think, Agent Goodwell.” He pulled her down into a kiss that quickly escalated into something more.
The mission could wait another hour. Right now, all that mattered was the man beneath her, the bond between them, and the absolute certainty that whatever came next, they’d face it together.