Chapter 8

Lena pushed her shopping cart through the grocery store the next evening, unable to stop a smile from spreading across her face. Gray had found her after their kiss in the armory yesterday. It was sweet that he had checked up on her. She got the feeling Gray wasn't normally like that around women. He was protective of her, and Lena secretly loved that.

She was sure she'd been beet red when she walked past Ford, but he'd married Clara, the receptionist at Shadow Security. It's not like he'd have a problem with anyone dating in the workplace.

Gray had stayed over last night, crashing on her sofa. They'd exchanged a few more heated kisses, but nothing further had happened. She hadn't suggested he stay in her bedroom. Nor had he pushed for it. She'd actually slept soundly knowing he was there but thought she'd heard Gray at one point in the early morning hours.

Her heart ached for him, knowing what he'd gone through. Briefly, she wondered if he'd chosen to stay on the sofa both nights rather than in the guestroom because he had nightmares. He'd mentioned he didn't sleep well but hadn't gone into further detail.

Did he wake up screaming some nights? Fighting against an invisible enemy?

Maybe that should frighten her, but Lena instinctively knew that Gray wouldn't hurt her. Even if she slept at his side, in his arms, she couldn't imagine he'd ever mistake her for his captors. He hadn't said anything about being awake early. They'd had a quick breakfast together before heading into the office, Gray following her in his big SUV. Lena had felt almost shy asking him to come over tonight for dinner when they'd had a quiet moment alone.

"It's a date," he'd teased, those dark eyes glinting with amusement.

"Well—" She cut herself off, flushing. Gray twisted her up in knots sometimes, but in a good way. She felt all her nerve endings alight whenever he was near, her entire body attuned to him.

He'd ducked down for a lingering kiss before she could continue, his mouth on hers magical. "I'd love to come over," he said, his voice husky. "And I'd love to take you out to dinner this weekend."

She smiled and readily agreed, Gray pulling her close. His short beard had rubbed against her cheek as he'd gently kissed her there, and she'd flushed thinking of it on other sensitive areas of her body. Her breasts. Her belly. Her inner thighs.

"I can't wait to see you tonight," he said. The heat of his muscled body seeped into her own. Lena practically wanted to shiver in delight whenever he held her close. Gray was gruffer and more masculine than any of the men she'd dated in the past, but it wasn't a deterrent at all. While she understood his reasons for keeping his distance, especially given that she was closed-off herself, they'd been dancing around their attraction to each other for a year. She wasn't surprised with how quickly things were now moving forward. While she didn't know every detail about his life or past, she knew who he was as a person. She knew the things that mattered. They might have crazy chemistry when they were together, but it also felt like things just clicked into place with him. He gave her butterflies but made her feel safe. Maybe she should be scared after what had happened mere weeks ago, but she knew the man who'd carried her away from that hellish home would never hurt her. He'd literally done the opposite—he'd risked his own life to keep her safe.

Lena's phone buzzed as she moved down the aisle, and she pulled it free from her designer purse, a flush washing over her skin as she saw Gray's name.

"Hi." She paused, phone at her ear, watching the other shoppers move around past her.

"Hi yourself," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver racing down her spine. "I've been stuck in a briefing all afternoon and didn't get a chance to see you before you left."

"I know. I'm picking up some things at the grocery store before I head home," she said. "Is seven still good for dinner?"

"Sure is. I'm just wrapping up some things here first," Gray said.

"No worries if you're running late. Don't forget that I work for Jett, too," she joked.

Gray's laughter filled the line. "Of course I couldn't forget that. I probably wouldn't have ever met you otherwise, so I guess I should thank the boss for hiring me," he joked. Gray cleared his throat. "Jett also reminded me earlier that there's a camera in the armory."

"Oh my gosh," she said, her cheeks warming. "I knew that but totally forgot in the heat of the moment. I cannot believe Jett saw that."

Gray chuckled. "I don't think he watched it, just told West to erase it so you wouldn't be embarrassed. I forgot about the camera in there as well but sure as hell don't regret kissing you."

She lifted her hand to her mouth, remembering the feel of Gray's warm lips moving over her own. The combination of his sensual mouth and prickly beard was somewhat arousing. Exciting. And if anything, after the kiss they'd shared, she'd wanted more.

"Well, as long as Jett teases you and not me, I'm okay with it," she joked, her cheeks still flaming.

She could almost see him smiling. "No problem, baby girl. I'll take one for the team if it means I get to kiss you. See you soon, all right?"

"Okay. See you soon!"

They ended the call, and she felt like she was floating through the rest of the store. Baby girl. Lena was a fully-grown, capable woman, but she rather liked hearing that term of endearment from Gray's deep voice. He was sweeter than she'd ever imagined him to be. Sweet, yet commanding when he wanted if his kisses were any indication. Lena wondered what he'd be like in bed. Gruff and commanding, yes, but she had no doubt he'd know how to please a woman. She had no trouble letting him take control when the reward would be so sweet.

She was getting ahead of herself though. Lena needed to finish up at the store and get home before Gray arrived. She was always running errands for Jett, and she was efficient then, quickly moving in and out of places with a lengthy to-do list. This evening, however, it was like she couldn't focus. Nervous butterflies filled her stomach at the thought of Gray spending the night again.

She didn't want him to sleep on the sofa tonight. Even if they didn't have sex, she longed to feel him against her, his big body holding her close while she slept. Waking up in his arms sounded like a dream come true. Lena had seen his hungry looks, despite the fact that they'd done no more than kiss so far. She was ready to have his hands and mouth everywhere. Feel the drag of his calloused fingertips over her skin. See the hot look in his eyes as he undressed her.

Lena wanted all of him. Gray would never push if she wasn't ready, but giving herself over to him felt inevitable. They'd been circling around one another for a year, neither admitting the attraction they felt. Both avoiding getting close for their own personal reasons. Lena didn't want to wait any longer for Gray to make her his own.

***

Gray jogged across the parking lot at work, the cold air washing over his skin. He was in short sleeves again, something his teammates ribbed him about sometimes. The crisp, biting air meant freedom though, and there wasn't a damn thing he could fault about that. And right now? He was in a rush because he was headed over to see Lena.

He'd thoroughly kissed her goodnight yesterday before sending her off to bed. While he'd seen the heated looks she gave him, he wanted her to be comfortable before they made love. If she was nervous, he'd give her all the time she needed. Gray was looking forward to taking her to bed, but while sex was one thing, the thought of sleeping at Lena's side gave him pause. What if he awoke from a nightmare? Thrashed out in his sleep and accidentally harmed her?

Muttering a curse, he buried those thoughts down. There was no need to manifest that shit and make it happen. There were nights he slept okay. They were few and far between, but they happened. He wasn't letting those terrorist assholes take one more thing from him. Gray knew there'd be no better feeling than Lena's naked body pressed up to him while they slept, all soft skin and sexy curves. Just thinking about it soothed something inside him. Yes, he wanted to bury himself deep inside her and make her cry out in ecstasy, but he wanted to protect her as well. Keep her safe, even if from her own nightmares.

And shit. How could he deny her that? If she needed him, Gray couldn't crash on the damn sofa forever. He'd have to figure out a way to keep himself in check.

Gray started his SUV, eager anticipation coursing through him. He was planning to swing by the store and pick up some flowers. He knew Lena was often dropping off things at Jett's request—flowers or God knows what else for Anna. He swore he'd heard the boss asking for lingerie for his wife at one point. Nothing fazed Lena, and he liked that about her. She didn't bat an eyelash at Jett's unusual requests, and it made Gray feel comfortable with her. She wasn't like some women, uptight over every little thing. Maybe she was nervous sometimes, given what she'd been through, but her personality was down-to-Earth.

Gray also loved the idea of surprising her with flowers. She might be used to handling everything on her own, but making her happy was quickly becoming a top priority for him. After googling the closest florist, he headed there first. Gray shook his head, smirking. He wasn't really the type of man to buy a woman flowers, but things were different with Lena. Gray found himself wanting a whole lot he hadn't considered before.

Twenty minutes later, he was ringing Lena's doorbell, and the surprised look on her face didn't disappoint as she took in the colorful, fragrant bouquet. "These are for you," Gray said unnecessarily, watching the way her eyes lit up. A surprising feeling of satisfaction rolled through him. Hell, if he didn't enjoy making Lena smile like this.

"Thank you! They're so gorgeous."

"Not half as gorgeous as you." It wasn't the type of thing Gray usually said, but it was the goddamn truth. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling, and her long hair curled around her breasts, drawing his gaze. He'd thought the very first night he came over that she looked like a siren standing in her doorway, and tonight he was just as smitten. Gray was a goner when it came to this woman. He felt like she was the sun, and he was simply orbiting around her, content to bask in her light.

He stepped inside, his duffle bag still slung over one shoulder, and pulled her in for a searing kiss. The fact that this was their first date of sorts wasn't lost on him, with Lena inviting him for dinner, yet here he was arriving with flowers and an overnight bag. He couldn't deny it felt right.

Lena was still holding the flowers as Gray took control of their kiss, positioning her head as he wanted. Her face felt small and delicate in his big hands, and Gray wanted to simply devour her. She let out a soft sigh as her lips parted for him, and then his tongue slid inside. Teasing. Claiming. She tasted as sweet as yesterday, and her little whimpers were driving him wild. The scent of her exotic perfume teased his nostrils, and he had to resist breaking off the kiss and burying his nose in her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent. His cock was already swelling, pressing against his boxers. They'd barely gotten inside the front door, and he wanted her. Badly.

Her lips were swollen when he finally broke off their kiss. "Wow."

He chuckled. "It didn't seem appropriate to kiss you like that at the office earlier."

"Probably not," she said lightly, flashing him a teasing smile. "Come on in."

"You look great," he told her.

He slung his duffle bag down in the living room, setting it by the sofa. "Um," she looked adorably flustered for a moment.

"I'll just leave it there for now," he assured her. "Wherever you want me tonight is good with me." She swallowed and nodded. "Don't be nervous," he said, moving toward her again. "After all, I've been in your bedroom before," he teased.

She flushed, and Gray let his eyes rake over her. Lena had changed from what she'd worn earlier today at work into a sexy wrap-style dress. Maybe it wasn't meant to be overly revealing, but it perfectly hugged her breasts and displayed a nice amount of cleavage. He'd never seen her wear it at the office, and for that, he was thankful. Lena had killer curves, and he didn't want the other men ogling her. Lena was his, even if she didn't realize it yet.

The sudden thought was as startling as it was right.

"I'm sorry about freaking out last weekend," she said, briefly covering her face with her hands. "I'm still embarrassed you rushed over in the middle of the night."

He took her fluttering hands in his own, laying the flowers on her coffee table. Her hands looked tiny compared to his own muscular ones. Lena was staring at them, too, and he ran a thumb over her knuckles. Her skin was so damn soft. Gray had a feeling she was that silky smooth everywhere. "I was already awake before I came over the other night," he reminded her. "I don't mind coming by if you're scared."

She nodded, a look of uncertainty still crossing her features.

"Lena, I carried you out of that house weeks ago," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I saw that they'd drugged you. I wanted to rip that guy to shreds, but my only priority was making sure you were okay. We got to the hospital as quickly as we could. If you need me at night because you're frightened, you don't need to ask twice." He cleared his throat, growing more serious. "I feel like I should warn you that I've got demons of my own though. Nightmares. Sometimes I wake up thrashing around and—"

She squeezed his hands. "I know you wouldn't hurt me."

"Maybe, maybe not. I'd never intentionally harm you, but—"

"You wouldn't," she insisted. "I know you could never hurt me. I don't know who those evil men were who captured you, but I'm positive you wouldn't mistake me for them."

"I can't guarantee it," he said, feeling pained. "I might have to hold you until you fall asleep and then crash on the sofa. At least until I'm sure it'd be okay." He didn't miss the way her face fell, and then Gray was brushing back some of her dark hair. "I haven't been with a woman in…a while. Even then, I didn't stay the night."

She bit her lip, suddenly looking worried again.

"Just know if I end up on your sofa, it's not because of you, baby girl. I didn't up and leave, just wanted to keep you safe. I'd rather hold you close all night." Her gaze softened slightly, and Gray leaned down for another kiss. It was gentler than when he'd first come inside but still made his heart pound. She melted against him, her body relaxing into his own, and Gray couldn't resist brushing some of her silky hair back, his lips moving to her neck. Lingering.

"I want to feel you beside me. Feel your body pressed up against mine."

"Gray," she murmured.

He skimmed one hand up her side, his thumb barely brushing against the soft curve of her breast. Hell, she was gorgeous. Lena looked like a delicious present he couldn't wait to unwrap. It was all he could do to not take her to bed right now. Forget dinner. He would feast on his woman instead. "I want to know what it feels like inside you, to feel you writhing beneath me as you come." Gray's lips brushed over her neck again, and her pulse jumped. "Fuck, you're beautiful," he practically growled.

The oven timer began buzzing, and she jolted in surprise, clinging to him for a moment. It made him feel good to know she trusted him to keep her safe, but he hated that she'd been so easily startled. Lena was already pulling away to hurry to the kitchen, but Gray gently tugged on her hand. He brought it to his mouth, pressing his lips against her knuckles. Lena was breathing heavily, her breasts rising up and down.

Gray guided her to the kitchen. It was like he couldn't keep away. Gray's hands were still on her, one clutching her hand, the other at her waist. Her hips swayed as they walked, and his gaze dropped to the curve of her ass. She was wearing heels again, and he had the brief flash of an idea of seeing her in those and nothing else. The food smelled delicious, completely mouthwatering, but it in no way compared to the woman he wanted to feast on later.