His hands went to either side of her neck, his thumbs sliding along her jaw. “You’re mine, Siena. That means I do right by you. That means you’ve got to trust me to make certain your life is good. You got my baby in you. You’re mine. Understand what that means, mi amorcito. I need to know you trust me. People are going to say things. You’ll hear them. They’ll treat you a certain way. You have to hang on to me. You have to know I’m doing right by you. That always, you’re my first priority. Learn that now, Siena.”

She searched his liquid silver eyes. They burned. Took her breath. She read honesty there. She read the fierce, driving need of the male shifter to protect and care for his woman, his mate.

“I’ve trusted you this far and you still haven’t told me everything, Elijah. I’m waiting for that. I know you will because you gave me your word. So I’ve given you my trust on sheer faith. I’m not taking that away.” She had committed to him. She had chosen him even knowing she didn’t want his life. Even knowing he was outside the law. She’d still chosen him, and he was right, she had to trust him.

“Consider it learned,” she whispered.

He took her mouth. Hard. Wet. Long. Owning her. Possessing her. Then his mouth gentled and he was loving her—tender—sweet. Giving her something indescribable that tore at her heart and sent tremors through her body. He lifted his head slowly, his eyes on her, checking. Making certain she was all right.

“Hurry, Elijah,” she whispered, and turned away to head back to the bedroom.

She went by way of the atrium. The house was a labyrinth of rooms. She knew why. She knew the house was built for leopards to escape. She knew Elijah’s family, one by one, had been murdered or died a violent, bloody death. This place was designed to allow him to get out when attacked. To get his mate and his children out safely. She was determined to learn every route, so she could do the same.

Her body felt sensitive, breasts achy and swollen, nipples hard, pushing against her camisole. The burn that smoldered so deliciously was hot. Not so comfortable. More delicious, but much more demanding. She felt her pulse pounding between her legs with every step she took.

She loved him. Loved him. She didn’t know how it happened or even why. She wasn’t in love with the fantasy man she’d dreamt of for so many years. She loved Elijah with his dirty mouth and his sinful hands and his dangerous edge and unbelievable temper. She loved him with every cell in her body. With her heart and soul. She wanted to be his woman. The woman he spent every waking minute loving. Wanting. Needing.