Warrior Fae Trapped (Warrior Fae #1)(97)

Relationship advice from his boss? How’d Devon get so unlucky?

“Got it,” Devon said absently. Then, because he didn’t know what the hell he was doing, he added, “But she doesn’t ever bring that stuff up. I’d feel like an idiot saying anything.”

Roger shifted, getting more comfortable. “Well, you’re a ladies’ man, and she’s smart. She probably doesn’t want to feel like a fool. You have to suck this one up.”

“Nice pep talk, coach.”

Roger grinned. “Take it from a failed pro. She’ll eat it up.”

Devon shook his head and looked back at Charity. “She saved my life.”

“You saved hers.”

“Nah, I was trying to give her some time to run. Or give you an opening to force her away. But she went and saved me. For the second time.”

“I did try to force her away. I also tried to keep her in her room to heal. You’re alive, and she’s next to you. A smart man knows what that means.”

“When have I been a smart man?” Devon whispered, drinking in the sight of her.

“When it counts.” Roger straightened up. “I’m keeping her in your pack. I’m also pushing your pack up a level and adding some members. It’ll mean you have some older, more experienced, and possibly unruly pack members under your command, but it’ll give you a chance to show what you’re made of. I wouldn’t be giving you this role if you didn’t have her by your side. She gives your pack more power, as warrior fae did in times of old. In the event someone stronger than you defies you, remember that fighting is awfully hard when you’re being flung through a window.”

With a grim face, Roger gave him a slight nod and stepped away.

Apparently Roger had heard about Devon and Charity’s fight. It had been a sliding glass door, though.

He sighed as Charity stirred against him. She issued a little feminine mew before running a hand up his chest and hooking it around his neck. She squeezed a little as her eyes fluttered open.

“Hey,” he said softly.

Her eyes darted up to his, and supreme relief crossed her expression, followed by a beautiful smile.

“Hey,” she said, and turned a little, covering more of his side. “How are you feeling?”

“Good.”

Her smile burned brighter. “Liar.”

It hurt to chuckle.

“I hear you saved my life,” he said. “Again.”

She shrugged and winced. “You tried to sacrifice yourself so that I could get to safety. Again. I think we’re even.”

He pressed his lips against her forehead. When that wasn’t enough, he tilted her chin up and kissed her sweet lips.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he whispered.

Moisture caught in her thick lashes. “Thank you. For everything. I know I haven’t made this easy on you, but you never backed down. You’ve always been there for me. It means more than I can express.”

He smiled and kissed her again, rolling just a little so he could feel more of her body. Feeling his ardor rise, and the pain of movement rise with it.

It still hurt to chuckle. “Making love to you is going to have to wait, but…you’re more…than a duty to me, Charity. I care about you.” Talking about his feelings hadn’t gotten any easier, or less awkward, but in this he would listen to Roger. “So much. I want you to know that. That I have feelings for you.”

Her eyes were large and open, inviting him all the way down to her soul.

“I like you too. A lot.”

Her smile was just for him, wrapping around his heart and squeezing.

She had a hold on his vitals, and he didn’t ever want her to let go.





Chapter Forty-Four





Charity heaved a sigh as she lugged her backpack higher on her shoulders. The thing felt like it was full of bricks. She paused in between the buildings, angling her face up toward the blessed sunshine.

It had been two weeks since the battle, and no one had seen hide nor hair of her BFF. In fact, the vampires in the area had made themselves scarce. Word was that they didn’t trust a woman who could rain down sunshine on them in the middle of the night.

Charity would take it. She wasn’t totally sure how to control her power, but if she had them running scared for the moment, she’d count her blessings.

“What’s up, Charity?” Andy walked toward her with a welcoming smile, Rod at his side.

“What’s for dinner?” Rod asked by way of hello.

“Really, dude?” Andy put out his hands and frowned at Rod. “It’s the middle of the day, you haven’t seen her since last night, and the first thing you do is try to get something out of her?”

Rod gestured at Charity angrily as they stopped next to her. “She likes cooking! I’m discussing one of her hobbies.”

“Oh sure, yeah. That was your master plan. Discussing hobbies.” Andy rolled his eyes for Charity’s benefit. “That big blockhead on your shoulders must be hard to lug around.”

“Shut up, dick. She knows I’m always around to help.” Rod pulled Charity in for a one-armed hug. “Hi. Good to see you again.”

Andy stared at him.

“What?” Rod asked.