Page 25

I swallow hard, turning my head to look at him. His pretty eyes are shining with admiration. They’re so intense it makes my chest ache. The anxiety that shadowed his face twenty minutes ago has completely melted away, replaced by something that looks like devotion.

Instinctively, my primal gargoyle side takes over. My long wings sweep forward, unfurling from my back and wrapping around us both like a shield. This need to cocoon us in my wings and hold us in this private little space has been hard to fight.

Rather than flinching, Teagan lets out a quiet, soft sigh and leans against my side. He tucks his head right under my chin. I wrap my arm around his waist, pulling him against my chest. He fits against me like he was built specifically for my arms. He’s so damn delicate. So fragile. This fiery little human.

"Did you remember something?" Teagan murmurs into the column of my neck, his hot breath puffing against my skin in a way that drives me wild.

"A little," I admit. I rest my chin on top of his soft hair. "It’s frustrating. Knowing how to design something this detailed, but not knowing my own last name."

"We'll find it." The unwavering confidence in his voice startles me. "I promise you, Ryker. You're going to get pieces of yourself back."

I squeeze him a little tighter, buried in the dark warmth of my wings. "Until then, at least I know I can make you look good."

Teagan lets out a soft, melodic laugh. "Please. I already look good. You're just giving the rest of the world something extra to stare at."

I pinch his hip playfully. "Brat.”

"Yup. Just the way you like me."

We sit together in the quiet cocoon for a long time. The steady rhythm of my breathing matches his, the weight of the coat sketch sitting forgotten on the table in front of us. The air inside our private little canopy grows heated. The unspoken attraction that’s been simmering grows hotter. Every nerve ending in my body is aware of the rise and fall of his chest.

Eventually, Teagan shifts in my hold, turning his face up toward mine. The dim light filtering through the edge of my wings catches the deep brown of his eyes. He looks thoroughly settled, the frantic edge completely gone from his posture.

"Ryker?"

"Yeah?"

He hesitates, biting his lower lip. It’s a habit that makes my eyes drop to his pretty mouth.

"Stay in here tonight," Teagan whispers. "With me. In my bed."

My pulse skips a beat. My protective instincts instantly clash with my sense of duty. "Teagan... I'm supposed to be keeping things professional."

"That ship has sailed, big guy," His hand moves up to rest over my heart. "Besides... I still feel a little nervous. Having you close helps."

He’s giving me an excuse. He’s offering me a damn lifeline, and I know it. He’s giving me a reason to cross the line without feeling like I’m failing my duty to protect him.

I should resist.

I know a professional bodyguard wouldn't slide into his client's bed, holding him through the night. But fuck it, looking at the quiet plea in his eyes, and feeling the soft warmth of his body pressed against mine is enough to make me break. I'm completely powerless against the pull he has on me.

"Fine," I rumble, playing along with the excuse to save my own pride. "To keep you safe."

Teagan smiles, a genuine, dazzling spark returning to his eyes. "Exactly, Mr. Bodyguard."

I pull my wings back slightly, allowing us to stand up. Teagan walks over to his double bed, slipping under the soft duvet. I hesitate at the edge, suddenly aware of my large size, my wings, and my clawed hands.

"I'm not going to break, Ryker." Teagan pulls the blanket back for me. "Get in."

I kick off my shoes and carefully slide into the bed beside him. The mattress dips under my weight, but Teagan doesn't seem to care. The moment I lay down, he slides against me, resting his head on my chest and throwing an arm over my waist.

Carefully, I adjust my wings, draping one over the top of the duvet like an extra blanket, shielding him from the cool draft of the room. I wrap my broad arm around him, resting my hand on his back, feeling the steady, calming rise and fall of his breath.

"Better?" I whisper.

"Much better," Teagan mumbles, his voice already sounding sleepy. Within minutes, the tension leaves his body completely. His breathing evens out, his forehead against my collarbone.

He fell asleep first this time. He feels safe enough, relaxed enough in my arms to completely surrender to exhaustion. Something about that tugs at my heart.