Free Death eBook 9.8.16 by Lila Rose, Justine Littleton Page B

short time, and yet, I find…. It’s strange, new. I feel there’s—”
    “A connection?” I asked.
    She sighed. “Yes. How?”
    I wasn’t sure she was ready for the answer just yet. “Maybe you should get some more sleep,” I said instead, and made a move to stand. Her hand fell from my back only to grab my wrist.
    “Wait.” I turned to look at her. A frown marred her features. I hated that she seemed uncertain. “Please, can you stay and…. I don’t think I’ll dream if someone’s—” She stopped to shrug. “Sorry, I’m being silly. I’ll go find Falcone and ask—”
    “No,” I clipped out roughly before standing and picking her up in my arms. She squealed in surprise as I ripped the sheet back and laid us upon the bed. Her back faced my front. She sighed contently, just how I felt with her in my arms. Our heat turned into a slow burn, the intensity passing while I comforted my mate. “Sleep, my jewel.”
    “Okay,” she mumbled.
    The position we were in was how I wanted to sleep every night. I wanted my mate safe and sound in my arms, knowing I would wake up to her every morning. I would do anything to make that happen, anything to make Julie understand she was mine.
    Tightening my arms around her, I exhaled contently and soon found sleep—after I knew she was under. The last thought I had was what do you know? I am a cuddler.
     

Chapter Seven
     
     
    JULIE
     
    I awoke with a start, but just as instantly, my body relaxed. It was the first time I’d slept peacefully in days. All due to the man who had me cocooned by his body. Both of us were on our right sides; his lower arm supported my neck, coming up and around my torso with his hand landing between my breasts. His upper arm wrapped itself snugly around my waist, pulling me in and slightly under him. His legs were twined with mine. As though, in this position, he could protect every inch of me. Mind and body. My stomach dipped in excitement while my nipples pebbled.
    I just hoped he was counting my heart in his protection detail, because as I lay there a few things became absolutely clear. Never in all my life had I felt more safe, comforted, and cherished as I had in the last two bizarre days.
    I knew love in my life. Fallon was more than a friend; she was my chosen sister and family, but with the group of men who’d barged into my life…. Heck, in the chaos of the last two days, when I’d felt fear, uncertainty, and dread, they’d given me a sense of safety and a home I’d never known existed. And Dean…. The pull was undeniable, and just thinking of him not there, not holding me, not in my life, even after only knowing him a for one freaking day…. I sighed, and my stomach rolled in worry because just the thought caused my whole heart to ache. Like I would suffer junkie withdrawals if I distanced myself from him. None of it made sense.
     
    * * * *
     
    DEAN
     
    Stretching, I automatically reached beside me for Julie. When I didn’t find her, my eyes sprang wide and I bounced up quickly to sit in bed, searching the room for her. Not in sight. I drew in a deep breath, and the scent of her told me she was close and in the kitchen, because the smell of something cooking also touched my nose. Smiling, I lay back on the bed and relaxed to slow my heart, since I knew she was safe.
    My smile wouldn’t quit. Even though I hated how my jewel had woken scared in the middle of the night, I remained ecstatic that she had allowed me to comfort her.
    A groan tumbled from my lips. Fuck, my dick enjoyed the thought of how close we’d gotten the night before also. My cock was eager to grind itself up against Julie again; he’d even be happy with her leg, foot or hand. He wasn’t fussy. It didn’t have to be her hot, wet, tight core. Jesus. I had to stop thinking of her.
    I could have tugged one off while I lay there. My hand started to reach for my dick, but I stopped because I knew I’d be fuckin’ loud if I wanked, and I didn’t want