Dare To Run (The Sons of Steel Row #1)(83)

“Um.” He chuckled, the sound innately sexy as hell. “Last I checked, but don’t quote me on this, it’s called ‘spooning.’ I believe it’s what people do when they sleep together. I’ve never done it before, but I figured I’d give it a go.” He rolled his hips against my ass, his erection brushing against me insistently. “Turns out, it feels good.”

I laughed, too. “Well, yeah. But why are you doing it with me?”

“Because we f*cked, and now I’m tired, and this is my bed, too.” He nipped at my shoulder. “Though this position isn’t exactly conducive to sleep, is it?”

A moan escaped me. “Not when you’re doing that.”

His hand slid down the curve of my hip and slid inside my thighs. “Damn. You feel good, darlin’.”

“Lucas . . .” I whispered, my voice breathy.

“Don’t make this into something huge.” His hand stopped its descent. “I’m just sick of sleeping on the couch.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I tried to read his expression, but it was too dark. “I can sleep out there, if you want.”

“I don’t want that.” His arms flexed around me, holding me even closer. “You know why I’m here tonight,” he said gruffly. “I’m not gonna f*cking say it.”

But, God, I wanted him to. I wanted to know if what he was saying was what I wanted him to say—or if this was just one moment of bliss before we parted. Because my gut told me it was the latter, as much as I might hope it was the former. Despite the doubts plaguing me and the questions running in circles in my mind, I snuggled in closer, hiding my smile in my pillow, and went to sleep.





CHAPTER 27





LUCAS




Warm, naked skin was pressed against me, and an arm was thrown over my chest. If I wasn’t mistaken, a leg was over mine, too, and it felt like I’d died and gone to heaven. The Saturday-morning sun shone through the curtains, warming my bare shoulders, and the slight hint of a peachy scent teased my senses.

Smiling, I kept my eyes closed, enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime experience for what it was. It was the only slice of normalcy I’d ever get.

While it had been a mistake to spend the night with her, I didn’t give a damn. I didn’t have much longer with her in my arms, so I’d decided to live life for once, instead of just surviving it. I’d decided to see what all the fuss was about and slept with a woman curled up in my arms. Turned out, sleeping with a woman was . . . nice.

Better than nice.

But it was daytime now, and it was time to find my brother and end this, one way or the other. And to do that, I had to make sure Heidi stayed out of my way and out of danger. I skimmed my fingers over her bare arm, and she made a soft sound in her sleep, burrowing closer to me. My smile widened.

I couldn’t help it.

She felt good.

Run with me. If you run with me . . . I’ll go. My heart picked up speed as her words replayed in my head for the millionth time. Ever since she’d spoken them, those blue eyes of hers shining at me with so much emotion it had choked me, I hadn’t been able to get them outta my head. Hell, I’d even dreamt about them. Run with me. If you run with me . . . I’ll go.

It was the one solution I’d refused to accept.

The one solution I’d ignored, because I didn’t f*cking run.

It wasn’t me. But with her . . . could I do it? Take one of life’s ultimate challenges and turn a guy like me into a law-abiding citizen. Start a mechanic shop and try life on the legal side of the tracks. But could I really be that guy? Could I—

The downstairs door to my apartment opened slowly.

I stiffened, every nerve in my body awakening at the sound of the creaking hinge, keeping my eyes shut in case someone was watching me already. Sliding my hand under my pillow, I felt around for my pistol . . .

And then remembered I’d set it down by the door while fighting with Heidi last night. I still had the one Chris had given me, but that meant I’d left a weapon out there. A weapon that could be used against me, instead of for me. “Shit,” I muttered.

“Hm?” Heidi asked, stirring beside me. “What’s—?”

I slammed my hand down on her mouth, and she came to with flailing arms. One managed to clock me on the side of the head before she finally focused on me. The second she did, I held a finger to my mouth in a shh gesture and cocked my head toward the door, hoping she’d get the message. She looked terrified, but she nodded.

I lowered my hand and whispered, “Get under the bed. Now.”

She didn’t argue with me. Within a second of my command, she threw the covers off and crawled under my bed, wearing nothing but a shirt she must’ve pulled on during the night. I wore nothing at all . . . and we were under attack.

I never should have let my guard down.

Making sure to move silently, I rushed to my nightstand and pulled out the loaded Glock I kept hidden there. My pulse raced, and adrenaline pumped through my veins. Looked like I didn’t have to find Scotty after all. He’d found me.

“Whatever you see or hear, don’t come out.” I stepped into a pair of sweats. The last thing I needed was my cock hanging out as I fought for our lives. I glanced down at the floor. There was no sign of her, but I knew she was under the bed. “Not even if they kill me in front of you. Got it?”