“I’ll get you warmed up. Don’t be afraid when I lift you onto my lap.”
“Why?”
“Just wait.” He wrapped the blanket around them both, letting her feel his body heat directly against her skin.
“Oh, God,” she said. “You’re so hot.”
“My temperature runs a few degrees higher than average.”
“Why,” she asked.
“Because I’m a big man and have a lot of muscle mass.”
She sighed and rested against his chest. It was the best feeling in the world having her this close and also the most agonizing because his cock was harder than ever, and the ache continued to grow. There was no way he’d let her loose unless she wanted it. The way she kept trying to get closer to him told him that wouldn’t happen anytime soon.
“Baby, I can warm you faster, but we’d have to lie down with you against the back couch cushion, and I’ll be wrapped around you with the blanket over us.”
She nodded. “Yes, please. This feels so good.”
He adjusted a couple of sofa pillows, lay down with her in his arms, and maneuvered her into place with her chest against his. Her head was under his chin, and her feet were tucked between his legs. Then he laid the blanket over them so she could get his body heat over her whole body.
He hissed when her cold toes came into contact with his legs. Fuck, she was as cold as ice. He rubbed her arm under theblanket and felt her relax more as his heat seeped into her.
“Do you want to talk about the nightmare?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No. I don’t want it in my head again.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I understand that. Just rest, and I’ll keep you warm.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes closed instantly.
Nolan stopped rubbing her arm when he was certain she was asleep. His gaze scanned her face, and he was astonished at how beautiful she was. Her skin was clear of freckles, which it seemed most redheads had, and she had a tiny nose and chin, but her eyes and lips were bigger.
His brows pinched together when he caught several little white lines over her face and neck. No one would have seen them unless they were close and the light was directed on her face. For them, it was the streetlight that shone on her skin.
He knew what the fuck they were. Scars. He just needed to know how she got them, and he also wanted to check over the rest of her body.
He wouldn’t jump to conclusions because it could be many things, like car accidents or shattered glass.
The thought that she’d been abused crossed his mind, and if he found out that was true, he’d take out who did it and enjoy every bit of it.
When she sighed, he exhaled. He was with her now, where no one could hurt her, and she was in his arms. He wasn’t going to do anything but hold her in his arms and sleep, and that was enough for him.
The sound of voices in the kitchen was what woke him hours later. He looked down at Caylee and smoothed the hair from her face. She needed food, especially liquid because he could tell she was still a little dehydrated.
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
Nolan grinned when she grumbled and burrowed deeper against him. “Sweetheart, we need to get some food in you.”
“Caylee, it’s time to wake up.” He firmed his tone, and it got through to her.
Her eyes popped open, and the first emotion he saw was fear until she focused on him. It was amazing to have her trust him and to know that she had obeyed him already. She was a natural submissive, and that turned him on even more.
“What?” she asked.
“It’s time for breakfast.”
She rubbed her nose against his chest, and he found that utterly adorable.