The logistics were in his favor and he was not above using them.
Maddox dropped into the nearest chair with Guinevere still in his arms, putting her in his lap. Exactly where she belonged.
She turned scarlet immediately. He hadn't even said anything yet. Just existing underneath her was enough to cause this. His ego took a victory lap.
"I'm really okay, Commander." She tried to squirm off of him. She failed.
He waited patiently with his arms locked around her waist like steel bands. Putting her down wasn't happening tonight.
"You're cute when you blush," he commented, kissing her temple.
She stiffened the second he did. She was shy. He could work with that.
"I'll let you go if you call me Maddox."
"Fine, Maddox then."
Negotiation. His strong suit. Not hers, apparently, because she took the deal immediately.
Maddox's arms didn't loosen. "I change my mind. I'm keeping you here."
