I wasn’t as sure of that as she was. I doubted she realized the lengths to which a man would go to have her. But it didn’t matter what Petrov was willing to do because she was mine and I wouldn’t let him lay a finger on her.

“I still think we should look into him,” Zeke said.

I nodded. “I agree. Just to be on the safe side.”

“I’ll get on that now.” He stood and shoved his hands into his pockets.

Kade stood too. “If everything is okay here, I’ll head home. I’m only a phone call away. The guard changed ten minutes ago, so you’re all set for the night.”

“Thanks, man.” I released Willow and walked them to the door. “If anything happens, I want to know immediately.”

Kade nodded. “You got it.”

“Don’t worry,” Zeke added, clapping me on the shoulder. “We’ll keep your girl safe.”

“I appreciate that.” I didn’t deny she was my girl. We were past that. “Don’t forget to get some sleep. You’re no good to anyone if you’re a zombie.”

Zeke rolled his eyes. “Even as a zombie, I’d be smarter than most people.”

“Arrogant ass,” Kade muttered as they left the apartment.

I took a moment to thank Sean for returning to duty and headed back to the living room.

Willow had vanished from the sofa, and my heart crashed around in my chest, zooming from zero to a hundred as worst-case scenarios ran through my mind.

I stormed into the kitchen, finally breathing again when I saw her standing at the counter with a mug of tea clasped between her hands. I took the mug from her and set it on the counter, then drew her close and pressed my lips to hers. She tasted faintly of spice—perhaps from the tea.

I crowded closer, needing more of her.

More, more, more.

As if I could ever get enough. I’d be craving this woman until the day I died.

I moaned deep in my throat. I couldn’t stand the thought of her in danger, but I couldn’t verbalize my fears, so I’d have to show her instead. I grabbed her by the hips and lifted her onto the counter, then stepped between her legs. She laughed breathlessly. I twined my hand into her hair and dragged her lips to mine, plundering her mouth. But then I felt her shiver, and I froze. It could have been from lust, but it also could have been the result of shock or any number of things. She’d had a terrible day and here I was getting into her space.

I backed off and scrubbed a hand over my stubble. “Should we cook dinner?”

Willow

Wait, what?

My brain lagged, still caught up in the wonder of that kiss. Ronan King was the sexiest man I’d ever had the pleasure of making out with. Not that the list was very long.

“Dinner?” I panted, trying to gather my wits from the floor.