She had no doubt that trusting her with his painful past—and now with his healing heart—was bringing them closer together, making their relationship stronger. Their nights were incredible, but nothing compared to mornings, when it was just the two of them, the walls around them keeping the rest of the world at bay. It was in those hours when Diesel was the most unguarded, when they were braided together like mating snakes, their hearts beating as one. When he’d whisper her name out of the blue, run his fingers along her hip or back, or tighten his hold on her and brush his lips over her cheek or forehead, as if he were saying I’m glad you’re mine in his own way. She cherished those moments, and mornings like these, when he’d whip up a delicious breakfast and sit in the chair closest to her so he could hold her leg or nuzzle against her neck as they ate.

Diesel would never be a teddy bear, and she wasn’t waiting for him to change who he was. He was hard and untrusting because he’d had his heart broken in the worst ways, and those wounds may never fully heal. But buried beneath all that hurt, he had a lot of love to give, and she was the lucky recipient. Her man of few words showed how much he cared by his actions, like coming to her gym this afternoon after her class with Lior to teach her more aggressive self-defense.

He finished his pancakes and downed his juice in one gulp, then leaned in and kissed her neck. “Why’re you lookin’ at me like that?”

“I’m just glad we’re together. Thanks for making breakfast.”

His eyes darkened, and a wicked grin lifted his lips. “Thank you for breakfast in bed.”

Her stomach flip-flopped as those sexy memories rolled in. He leaned in for a kiss, and she heard Izzy come in the front door.

“What smells so good?” Izzy breezed into the kitchen wearing the same dress she’d worn to work last night. “I’m the one hooking up with a chef, and you get banana pancakes? Someone needs to up his game.”

Diesel motioned to a plate of pancakes on the counter. “Those are yours.”

“You’re my hero.” Izzy hurried over to the counter and carried her plate to the table.

Diesel gave Tracey a quick kiss and guzzled his coffee.

“Trace, wanna share?” Izzy waggled her brows.

“I’ve still got half a pancake on my plate.”

“I meant him.” Izzy grinned.

“No,” Tracey and Diesel said in unison, making Izzy laugh.

Diesel glowered at her and got up to wash his dishes.

“Don’t worry. I’m not into threesomes.” Izzy ate another bite of pancake. “I’m glad you’re together. Diesel is a lot easier to work with when he’s all sexed up.”

“Izzy.” Tracey glared at her.