but now he wouldn’t give himself the privilege. He had a mission to accomplish. He needed to focus—and not on his dick.
“You should probably get some rest,” he bit out. “We don’t know what shit might break loose later when we go see this Most Pure.”
Her voice quivered a little. “All right. If that’s what you want.”
Fuck. He was a ruthless bastard for hurting her.
He didn’t answer, though. Hell no, especially when all he wanted to do was reassure her. Her pain wasn’t what he wanted in the least. He wanted to grab her into his arms, hold her until she felt safe and content and ready for more lovemaking. Until there was no more worry in either of their eyes. But thoughts like those were foolish and not becoming of the Colonel’s lieutenant. He wasn’t made a soldier for absolutely nothing; he was a hard-ass and goddamn proud of it.
She rolled over, her back to him. He heard a quiet sniffle. His eyes closed again, this time with the greatest of self-loathing.
Fuck. A double-damn merciless whoreson, that’s all he was. He broke at the sound of her tears, his eyes opening up to her and to the middle of her back, still turned against him.
“Sophie—”
She turned back around, the sassy spitfire inside of her out full throttle. Her finger repeatedly jabbed his chest, and in her anger, her body half-lay across his. Her bountiful breasts spread across him and for a moment he was distracted by the wealth of the luscious sight. Her words brought him back down to reality.
“You are a coward, sir. I don’t care who you are… soldier, lieutenant, Master…” Her eyes were like amber flame. “You’re running away from this…” She gestured between the two of them. “And it’s very—” She choked up and slammed over to her back, wiping her tears from her eyes. “It’s very unbecoming.”
He wanted to smile. She couldn’t even yell at him properly, her natural sweetness superseding her anger.
“Darling, come here.”
Tiberius took her hand. She wouldn’t hold it in return, a silent and pointed revolt against him. He scooped her up against him, cradling her soft warmth to his hard strength. Females. So damned emotional.
“Sophie…” He lowered his mouth to her lips, kissing the outer corners gently. Once. Twice. He tasted the salt of her tears. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I am running.”
Her fingers paused a split moment and then squeezed, holding and linking into his, giving quiet reassurance of her presence. She hadn’t given up on him, after all. Broken-sounding, she asked, “Why, though?”
He sighed. “I’ve never done this before.”
Her eyebrow tipped up, wanting him to continue. He inhaled sharply.
“I’m a mean bastard, Soph—”
She interjected, another quick flare of temper leaking out. “Yes. You sure are.”
He smiled against her hair, the long piece that tucked low and curled about her throat. His lips pressed to her pulse in a kiss, but then he pulled back, watching her for any inclination she’d forgive him.
“People are afraid of me.”
“I’m not.”
He grinned. “No. Which is why I like you.” His smile disappeared, knowing he had to grovel some more. He realized he wanted to, and he wasn’t above doing it. “You know, you do scare the shit out of me and I’ll fully admit it. I’ve never cared for anyone or anything in my life. I’ve been alone, all the time, alone—”
He turned his eyes away. She ran her fingers along his jawline.
“Not anymore,” she said.
He turned his face into her palm, letting her cradle him in her tiny hand. His heart might explode with the fascination of hope stemming from the promise in her voice and in her touch. Might he have a chance at redemption? A dark and twisted and cold man like him?
“No,” he said softly. “Not anymore.”
She mulled over his words, her eyes dimming with concern. “You won’t leave me, will you, Tiberius?”
He knew what she meant. Leave her once he found her children. Leave her once he’d tired of her body. Maybe he might have—once. Or the old him would’ve. But she’d grown on him so much the thought of not being near her each and every day filled him with agony.
He answered her with as much gentleness as a man like him could accomplish. “You’re my wife. I won’t ever leave you.”
She nodded imperceptibly. She acted like she understood, but did she? Those in the commune could be listening to their every word. But he still wanted her to know…
“Then, husband—”
Tib relaxed. She got it, as she always seemed to understand him. Her soft words rolled over him, giving him ease.
“Will you hold me while I rest?” she asked.
He kissed her pretty lips, giving her his promise, the same as she’d silently given him hers. “Always.”
She’d forgiven him, just like that. His heart swelled up more than his dick had earlier. When this was through…
When this was through—
Tiberius looked down at her, at her closed eyes and her slowing breaths. He’d give her all of him. She deserved to have his exclusivity of mind and heart, and she’d proven it yet again.
When this was through…
It played like a mantra in his head. Tiberius closed his eyes again, resting also, holding his wife close to his side. Maybe he’d make her that in truth.
It wouldn’t be the worst thing he’d ever done.
Chapter 5
Tiberius
The boy was still out there when Tib opened his eyes. He could see him from the small octagon-shaped window set high on the wall in the bedroom alcove. The boy had his back against a tree, but his face and scrawny body was directed toward their borrowed house. The teenager wasn’t even trying to hide his fascination with them.
Tib looked over to Sophie. She was still asleep, her body curled up tight next to him. He eased out from underneath her and went to the living room windows, pointedly looking out. His fierce gaze met the scared look of the teenager, thinking the boy would run away.
He didn’t.
Cursing under his breath, Tiberius yanked on his clothes and strapped on his weapons. He heard Sophie stirring, and she pulled open the curtain. He halted her with a stern look.
“Don’t come out yet.”
She paused, but obeyed. He gathered her clothing and carried it over to her, giving her a warm but thorough
