Page 57 of Protecting Salvation

Chapter18

The last monthhad been the happiest of her adult life. Everything seemed to have settled down and although Warren had grown quieter these last few days, he was still everything she’d ever dreamed of.

Titan and Lotus were still working her case, unofficially helping Aubrey tie things up but the others had been pulled into something with Eidolon and she hadn’t seen much of anyone. She was okay with that because she knew how important the work they did was for the security of not only the country but the world. The one constant though was Warren.

He hadn’t left her side except to go for more tests with Savannah or a work meeting, and even then he made sure she wasn’t alone. His hovering and overprotective nature would have chaffed the old Peyton but this one who knew violence, who’d experienced the horrors of an attack like she’d had, appreciated it. Plus, he was so perfect it was hard to be annoyed with anything he did. It was like she was in a relationship with the perfect man.

“You ready to go?”

Warren poked his head into the bedroom where she was sliding an earring into place. Her eyes caught his in the mirror as he gave her a look which made her body melt. This man was dangerous, and it had nothing to do with his profession or size. It was the way he owned her body, the delicious dirty things he did to her. Sex with Warren was a full-body experience and he was insatiable, which was good because so was she now. He’d turned her into an addict for his touch.

“Don’t look at me like that, sugar, or we’re gonna be late for Sunday lunch.”

Since they’d returned from the last mission, Val and Bás had begun a tradition where everyone got together for Sunday lunch when they could. The team had gotten back from whatever it was early this week so this was the first Sunday they’d all be together in a while. It changed locations depending on who was hosting but it was always a proper Sunday lunch which included Yorkshire puddings no matter what meat they were having or, in her case, some kind of substitute.

“Well, we can’t have that.” Standing she held out a necklace for him to put on for her. His touch was infinitely gentle as was the kiss he dropped on her neck as he held her hips against his hard cock. She looked at them in the mirror, him so big and dark, her so small and pale and wondered how it was a man like him could want her.

Warren was gorgeous, everything a woman could want and he only had eyes for her. She was so stupidly gone for him and even though he hadn’t said it back in so many words, he showed her every day how much she meant to him. It wasn’t just his looks that made her heart ache with love for him, it was everything about him.

He was so kind and gentle, thoughtful, and nothing was too much trouble. He was an animal in the bedroom and a cinnamon roll in real life. The dates he’d taken her on were always so well thought out and sweet. In the back of her mind, she knew he was doing it because his future was uncertain and he wanted to give her this. She didn’t need it but she treasured it anyway.

“How about we have dessert at home later?” Her voice was husky as she let him take her weight, his firm fingers gripping her chin and tipping it up so he could kiss her. His kisses were drugging, sometimes passionate, sometimes sweet but always laying his feelings on the line. She felt his love for her in every action he did, every bouquet of fresh flowers that appeared in her office, and every new vegetarian cookbook that showed up in her kitchen. He cared and he took note of the details, the small things.

“I think you are dessert.”

Peyton laughed. “Good call, handsome.”

The drive to Val and Bás’ place was quiet, her hand resting on his thigh, his palm covering her hand every time she tried to take it away. “Neanderthal.”

He lifted her fingertips to his lips and kissed them, before placing her hand back on his thigh. “Only with you, sugar.”

She loved that he called her that. Noting he was in a good mood, she decided to brooch the subject of his health. “How did things go with Dr Decker this week?”

She saw and felt his body tense, his shoulders lifting slightly as he fought to fight his reaction. He hated talking about his diagnosis or a plan. It was like now it was out there he didn’t need to face it anymore. She let him have that but as a woman who cared about him, and as a therapist, she knew pretending it wasn’t happening would only hurt him more in the long run.

“Fine.”

“Just fine?”

He lifted his hand to flick the indicator before making the turn but his hand stayed on the wheel this time and he avoided looking at her. “Yeah, that’s what I said. She did a few more tests. Everything is fine. Great.”

Peyton was slightly taken aback by his tone but she wasn’t scared to push when she thought it was needed. “So no worse, no better, no options?”

Warren pulled the car up behind Watchdog’s Ducati and shut off the engine. “Exactly, now can we drop it? I don’t need you putting pressure on me. My medical business is private and not something I want to discuss with every Tom, Dick, or Harry.”

He opened the door and Peyton felt her mouth fall open as he walked inside without her, leaving her completely shocked for a second. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry? Was that all she was to him? Some random person he just happened to be fucking?

What a dick.

She understood he was trying to avoid the conversation but to just walk away after saying that to her was not cool and she wouldn’t stand for it. Exiting the car she headed into the chaos.

Val met her at the door with a kiss on her cheek. “Hey, Pey. Everyone is in the kitchen, just go on through.”

“Something smells amazing.”

She tried to hide the fact her heart was beating double time and her thoughts were in turmoil over that blow-up in the car. She got that he was scared but she wouldn’t be his verbal or emotional punching bag.

“I did something different with the lamb.”