"Instead you get a mate who cannot throw a punch." May sighed, finishing for him. She lowered her eyes briefly, her body stiffening in his hold.
His thumb brushed against her waist, a silent comfort. "Also," he continued, "there are people who believe I shouldn't even still be here. That I don't deserve my position. I don't want to drag you into my bullshit, May."
"And yet, here we are." Her eyes lifted, challenging him. She held his gaze as if daring him to deny the bond they both felt thrumming beneath their skin.
"Yes," he said, his lips twitching. "Here we are, and I can still smell your arousal."
She swatted at his chest with a half-hearted glare. "It's really not fair," she huffed. "You can tell when I want you, but I can't."
"Not true," Kade leaned closer, his breath brushing the shell of her ear. "You know damn well when I want you. I'm not exactly subtle. How about if I tell you when I want you?"
"Fair enough."
"I want you."
