“What is really wrong? Tell me.”

She hesitated. Men didn’t like clingy women. Every book she’d read had taught her that and it was exactly how she felt. She didn’t want him to leave, was afraid it would end what they’d begun, and she didn’t want to return to her solitary life.

“Beauty?” He squeezed her tighter, not exactly a warning but the message was clear. He wouldn’t release her until he had answers.

“I don’t want to lose you,” she blurted.

One of his hands slid from her waist to her ass, to grip one cheek. He squeezed. “Is that why you are purposely delaying me?”

She loved his hand on her butt, so close to other places she wanted him touching her. “Yes. Everything is so new. What if you don’t come back?”

He held her and buried his face against her neck, nuzzling her with his nose. He inhaled her scent, his chest vibrating against hers when he softly rumbled a sexy sound. “You couldn’t keep me out of your bed if you tried, love. I’m on my knees for you. Do you think just anyone could drop me to them?”

“You’re just trying to appear nonthreatening.”

He chuckled and his lips teased the sensitive area just under her earlobe. His hot, wet tongue slid across the same spot. Beauty’s fingers weaved into his hair, holding him there. He squeezed her ass again but slid that hand back to her waist. It was disappointing.

“True, but it wasn’t the only reason. I want you to know you leave me vulnerable.”

She pulled back and so did he until she could see his eyes. Honesty brimmed there as she studied them. “What does that mean?”

“You only want me, right?”

“Yes.”

“No one else?”

“Never.”

A smile curved his lips. “I feel the same. You’re all I want. We have a lot to discuss but for now they are waiting for me in Justice’s office. You don’t want to get me yelled at, do you?” His tone became teasing. “That male is scary when angry.”

“He is.” She smiled back. “Okay. I’ll be good and allow you to leave without delaying you more. Just hurry back.”

He grew somber. “I don’t know how long it will take. I have some things to do.”

“Hours?”

He hesitated. “Perhaps days. I’m not sure. I will be back and we’ll talk.”

“Okay.” She didn’t have any choice and he was promising to return. That’s all she could ask of him for now. “I’ll miss you.” Admitting that put her pride at stake but it was a chance she was willing to take.

“I’ll miss you as well.” He glanced at her br**sts. “So much.”

She laughed. “Hurry back to me then.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Shadow? Security just called, asking where you are.” It was Kit, her irritation clear. “Quit playing with the Gift and move your ass.”

Shadow frowned. Beauty clenched her teeth. They regarded each other and she spoke first.

“That woman is a bitch,” she whispered.

“I heard that. Get a move on, Shadow.”

He rose to his feet, releasing her. One look down his body made him utter a soft curse. Beauty followed his gaze and grinned. He’d gone from semi-aroused to full-blown impressive in size. There was no way to hide the state of his body.

He turned, walked to her sink, and turned on water. Beauty watched in fascination as he wet his hands, reached up to the back of his neck, and rubbed.

“What are you doing?”

He shot her a grin. “Attempting to think of something besides you being so close to a bed.” He closed his eyes, repeated the process of wetting the back of his neck and finally turned off the water. His c**k wasn’t as hard when he stepped around the counter into view. “Stay inside and I’ll be back as soon as everything is taken care of.”

“Okay.”

She hated to see him go but she held still until he left her apartment. Kit stepped inside when he attempted to close the door. He paused, staring at her, but then walked on when the feline smiled after pointedly staring at his groin.

“Isn’t he cute?” Kit closed the door behind her, leaning against it.

“You can’t have him. He’s mine.” Beauty glared.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay. We heard what happened.” Kit stayed where she was. “We almost lost you to the humans.”

“I’m sorry if it disappoints you that it didn’t happen.”

The other woman’s expression blanked then she frowned. “I’m not as bad as you think. I don’t dislike you. I’m glad you’re safe.”

“I annoy you. You think I’m weak.” There was no use pretending otherwise. Beauty spoke her mind. “It would probably make your life easier if I had been stolen.”

“That’s not true. Tiny and Halfpint would have wailed and needed constant care if you had been lost.” Kit sighed loudly, straightening away from the door. “I actually like you now. You showed backbone when you stood up to me. I was genuinely worried about you when we got the reports of the attack. I came to see if you wanted to talk to someone or if you just didn’t want to be left alone.”

Surprised at the confession, Beauty took a step closer. “Thank you.”

“I guess I’ll go.” Kit spun, gripping the door handle.

“Kit?”