Page 74 of Wade’s Wrath

“You've had the worst two days of your fucking life,” he growled.

“Probably,” she agreed.

“You're scared,” he pointed out.

“Yes, I am,” she said.

“You're worried about tomorrow,” he said.

“Yes, I am worried about tomorrow,” she agreed.

“And you still think this is a good idea?” he asked.

Her eyes held his. “I think you're the first man I've ever been around who keeps giving me reasons why I shouldn't sleep with him.”

Wade groaned. “That wasn't the right answer.”

She smiled, and it quickly faded. “I want you.” Fuck. Three words, and that was all it took. Wade lifted a hand and touched her cheek.

“Say it again tomorrow,” he said.

“What?” she asked.

“When the warehouse raid is over,” he said. “Say it then.”

Her expression fell. “Wade⁠—”

“If you still want me tomorrow, I'm yours,” he promised.

She stared at him. “What if tomorrow doesn't go the way we want?” He knew exactly what she meant. What if Sarah wasn't alive? What if somebody got hurt? What if Wade didn't come back? Neither of them said it, but they were both thinking it.

Harlow moved closer until her forehead rested against his. “I don't want to spend tonight thinking about everything that could happen tomorrow.”

Wade's hand slid into her hair. “What do you want to think about?” he asked.

“You.” His control cracked—not completely, but enough. He kissed her slowly this time. It was nothing like the kiss at the clubhouse. There was no surprise, no audience, and no reason to stop after a few seconds.

Harlow's hand settled against his chest, and Wade kept the kiss gentle, giving her every opportunity to pull away, but she didn't. Instead, she moved closer. When they finally separated, she was breathing hard.

“So,” she whispered.

“So?” he asked.

“I still want you,” she admitted, smiling over at him.

“It's not tomorrow,” he reminded.

“Technicality,” she said.

Wade laughed against her mouth. “You're stealing my lines now?”

“Maybe.” He kissed her again. Harlow curled against him, and Wade wrapped an arm around her. For a while, that was all it was—kissing, touching, and learning each other without rushing toward anything.

Every time Harlow stiffened, Wade stopped. Every time he stopped, she made the choice about whether they continued, and every time, she pulled him back. Until eventually she whispered his name against his mouth and told him exactly what she wanted.

“I need you, Wade,” she begged as he kissed his way down her neck.

Wade searched her face one final time. “You sure?”