CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
HENRY
Henry was immersed in Olivia’s scent. It was all around him, literally rising from his own skin. Her body was warm against his, the soft rhythm of her breath lulling him into a state of extreme bliss.
They had ended up curled on the floor, wrapped around each other. Henry tightened his arms around her, hearing Olivia murmur a slight sound of protest. It sounded like she was drifting off to sleep. Henry would happily take a nap himself at this point. He’d been so confused for the past few weeks, but right now, he only knew one thing … he never wanted to move from this spot.
Olivia was his entire world. He should have shown her that from the very beginning and not tried to hold on to his old life. Change was scary, and he’d enjoyed having complete control over everything that happened in his world. He knew this was at least partially in defense against his father’s dominance.
Henry hugged Olivia closer, putting his cheek against her back so he could feel her heart beating against his cheek. He had struggled, desperate to maintain his equilibrium, only to realize that from the first moment he saw her, there was no such thing. He’d follow her into hell. He’d fight the sky itself for her. If she tried to walk away, he’d follow her into the stars if he had to. Resisting this truth only brought him more pain.
She is my world.
He curled up against Olivia and nuzzled her neck, enjoying her scent and the warm press of her body against his. He was thinking of surprising her with dinner later, maybe taking her shopping. Hopefully, she’d be eager for more sex when she woke up.
Far away, there was an annoying buzzing. Henry frowned, closing his eyes and burying his head in Olivia’s hair. It was an angry sound, something that tapped against his sense of peace like an angry wasp trying to get through a windowpane.
He ignored it, hoping it would go away. The room fell into silence, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then the buzzing started again, and this time it did not stop. He groaned softly, realizing that his phone was ringing. If it was going to vibrate nonstop, then he’d never get any peace.
What could be so damn important?
He got up slowly, making sure he didn’t disturb Olivia. It took him a few minutes to find his pants, and the offending device was still buzzing when he struggled to get the thing out of his pocket and into his hand.
“Hello?” he snapped.
This better not be about standard shipping delays.
“Henry,” Philodendron said, his voice thick with amusement. “I see you were good enough to accept my call.”
“If I had realized it was you, I wouldn’t have,” Henry muttered. “What do you want?”
“You,” Philodendron hissed. “I’m challenging you.”
“To a cook-off?” Henry asked, bored.
“Stop it!” Philodendron shrieked. “I’ve had enough of your stupid jokes. You’re going to learn to take me sincerely! You’re going to fight me, now, tonight or your mate might find herself minus another parent.”
Henry’s panther sprang forward, fur popping up through his skin. “Don’t you dare touch my mate’s family. I will end you,” he growled more than spoke.
“If you think you can, pussy,” Phil taunted.
“Where?” Henry blurted, eager to put a stop to the lunatic’s behavior before he seriously hurt someone.
Philodendron gave him the address of an old warehouse in the industrial district. Henry told him he’d be there soon.
I know it’s a trap, but whatever he wants to throw at me, I can handle it. It’s time to take care of this fucker.
He got dressed quickly, heading back to Olivia, where she was still dozing on the floor. He touched her shoulder gently, and when her eyes fluttered open, he was enchanted all over again.
The smile that spread across her face was truly beautiful. It almost stopped his heart.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” she answered. “What the hell am I doing on the floor?”
“I’m not sure,” Henry gave her a quizzical look. “I woke up wrapped around you, so if you fell, I think I caught you.”