“I fit in it,” she was compelled to point out.

“Yeah, Kitten, I know. But it’s not big enough. When we get to the point where I’m staying here and you’re staying at my place, we’ll need a bigger bed.”

She closed her eyes, wishing there was that possibility, knowing she’d never have another time of sharing a bed with him. She wanted to savor every second.

“Okay.” That was the best she could do. Even then her voice shook.

Ridley shifted position again, turning on his side, sliding one hand around her waist to pull her into him, and then he settled his hand, fingers splayed wide, on the strip of bare skin not covered by her tank. She felt his palm and every one of his fingers like a burning brand. Her breath hitched in her lungs. Her throat felt raw. She closed her eyes to keep any burning at bay.

She wanted nothing to spoil this moment for her, not even the knowledge that she would never see him again. She let herself have her fantasy. She belonged to Ridley Cromer and he was madly in love with her.

“Don’t go to sleep on me yet, baby,” Ridley said softly. His hand began to move in slow circles on her belly. “I want to make certain you understand where this is going.”

She turned her head and looked at him. His eyes were strange. Different. He had the same focused stare that made her feel as if she were the only person on the planet. The only one on his radar. Still, his eyes were different. The irises were wholly gold. They even glowed a little as if his night vision was every bit as good as hers.

“I don’t understand.”

“This man you’re running from. The cops. They have nothing to do with you and me. Whatever happens, Kitten, it’s still you and me. We’ll find our way through it all together. I have no problem going with you to the police. I can find you a good lawyer. I don’t care what it takes, Cat, I’m not losing you over this.”

She swallowed hard and turned her face away from him. His hand moved to her chin and he turned her face back.

“I mean it, Catarina. I know you think whoever this man is that won’t get out of your life is bad. Invincible. But you only know my sweet side. You deserve sweet so I give it to you, but that’s not who I am. Look at me, baby. Really look at me. I have scars for a reason.”