Run To Me (Lazarus Rising #4)(42)

He walked to the bookshelf. Lifted one of the books. Not really a book. It was tech Jay himself had created, only the guy hadn’t realized West had used that tech against him.

Not precisely using it against him. Using it to protect him.

He pulled out the small drive. “You want to see what happened? Then pull up a chair. Let’s both take a real, up-close look.”

Her lips parted. “What is that?”

It was him, spying on his brother. Him, crossing a line that he knew Jay wouldn’t forgive. But sometimes, it wasn’t about forgiveness. Sometimes, it was just about making sure those who mattered most kept their asses alive. “I’m his head of security. So whether he likes it or not, I’m keeping my brother safe.” And under surveillance. “Let’s just see what the hell went down.”

***

Carefully, Jay lowered Willow onto his bed. He wanted to hold her, too tight and too hard, so he made himself step back. He headed toward the window, pulled open the blinds, and let the first streaks of sunlight trickle inside.

“You can sleep in here,” he told her. “There’s no confinement. We’re going to work this out.” If he said the words enough, maybe they’d be true. Maybe he could fix everything for her.

He wanted that.

Jay turned toward the door.

“Will you stay with me?” Her soft voice stopped him. “Just for a little while?”

He’d stay with her forever. That stark truth settled inside of him as he squared his shoulders. “Of course.” He headed back toward the bed. He ditched his shoes and socks, but kept on his jeans and t-shirt. She slid over, and he climbed into the bed with her. “Do you want to change?” Jay asked her. “Do you want—”

“You.”

He stilled. “Baby…”

“Will it ever be like it was before?” Willow’s voice was so low. “When we made love and there was no holding back. No doubts. Will it ever be that way again? Or will you look at me and always wonder, is she going to snap? Is this going to be the moment when she loses it?”

“Stop.” Anger hummed in his voice. “I don’t wonder that.”

“Maybe you should.”

Jay shook his head. “I want you just the same. The same way I’ve wanted you since the beginning.” He leaned over her, needing Willow to absolutely understand this. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone else. And I’d fucking walk through hell to have you.”

He heard her breath catch.

“Want me to prove it?” He pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was hot, rough, his tongue dipping into her mouth and tasting her. Adrenaline still spiked through his body. Adrenaline. Fear. Rage.

The fear was the worst—the fear that he might lose her.

I won’t.

“Prove it,” she whispered, dared, as her fingers curled over his shoulders.

He knew this time would be different. Not slow and tender. No gentle caresses. His control was far too brittle for that. He stripped her, yanking off her clothes. Tossing them aside. Nearly shredding her panties.

He’d buy her more.

He jerked off his own shirt. Kicked out of his jeans. His hand went between her legs, and he pushed two fingers inside of her. She wasn’t ready, not yet, and he needed her to be. He needed her wild.

He worked her clit. Kissed her breasts. Sucked her nipples. Used the edge of his teeth on her until she was moaning for him. Twisting beneath him.

Then he yanked on a condom. Drove into her. Deep and hard, and there was no stopping, not for either of them. This was basic. This was primitive. He needed her as much as he needed breath.

Her legs locked around him. Her body arched toward him. She came, and the contractions of her delicate inner muscles slid along the length of his cock, driving him over the edge so that he erupted into her. The climax twisted through him and seemed to obliterate everything else. She was all he knew.

All he wanted.

She was his.

He pulled her close. Tucked her into his body.

She was his. And he’d fight the world to keep her.

Her breathing slowly evened out. Her body went lax against him. Jay still didn’t move, not yet. He found that he liked holding her.

I was burning. Her words slid through his mind.

His lips feathered over her temple. He’d make sure she never burned again. He kept holding her, needing to be close a moment longer, then he carefully slipped away.

Jay had work to do.

***

“See anything interesting?” Jay drawled.

West and Cecelia both flinched at his words. And then they looked guilty as hell. They were leaning over his computer. Both intent on watching the screen. He knew why, of course. Did his brother really think he didn’t know everything that was in his own study?

“Where’s Willow?” West asked as he cast a nervous glance behind Jay.

“Sleeping.” He yanked his t-shirt over his head, then tugged it down to his waist. He’d put on his jeans before heading down the stairs. “She needs to rest.” They all did. But first… “I’m guessing you two were watching the video?”

Red tinged Cecelia’s cheeks.

“Video?” West repeated. “What video?”

Jay rolled his eyes. West’s poker face sucked. “The video from the surveillance camera you put in here. Don’t play games. I’m really not in the mood for them.” He headed around the desk. Only West knew his password, and maybe it was time to change that situation. But for the moment…