Content To Be Claimed (Beauty And The Beast #1)

Chapter 51

I glanced out the door at the lightening sky as Warren drove.

The plane landed on a private airstrip at 3 in the morning, but apparently Ashley and Roger had let Warren and I sleep. At exactly dawn, Warren woke with a start. When his crazed eyes met mine, he instantly calmed and drew me into his arms. Then he winced and glared at his hurt arm, making me fight a smile.

Ashley and Roger left to hunt as Warren insisted on getting a car and driving me home. And so here I sat, stealing glances at him. He hadn't spoken since we got in the car - I had no idea where he got it - but I was content. It was enough to just be near him, stealing furtive glances at the man who was more gorgeous than should be possible.

He suddenly sighed and pulled over. I turned to him curiously. He kept his good arm on the wheel as he turned deep green eyes to me. "Come to me."

I smiled and took his hand carefully, wrapping it in both of mine.

"Come to me, love," he stressed.

I blinked in understanding, then eagerly unbuckled my seatbelt. I crawled into his lap, arranging myself against his chest even as I tried to avoid the bandages on his abdomen. Once I was in place, I looped my fingers with his and gently drew his hurt arm around my waist, placing it on my side. "There. Taking a little break?"

He smirked, making me roll my eyes, and started the car again. My eyes widened as he sped down the empty highway single handed with me in his arms. Even Connor had never been this reckless...

And yet I felt safe. Instead, I tucked my face in his neck and breathed, "I really missed you too."

"Shall we discuss your adventures?" he asked gruffly.

I swallowed and gripped his shirt, holding onto him. I still wasn't used to the fact that I was here with him, not Vincent. It felt too good to be true... "Can we hold off on that, please?"

He stole a quick glance down at me. His eyes were worried as he frowned. Then he stared ahead again. "Very well. Perhaps we can discuss your vehicle?"

"Oh, no!" I moaned in fresh grief as I remembered what happened to my car. "He destroyed it!"

Warren gave a small chuckle. "Was there any point you wished to have improved upon it?"

"No, it was perfect," I pouted and yawned. "Wow, guess I'm still sleepy."

"Only a little while longer," he assured, and the arm around me shifted closer before he grunted. "So you desire your car as it was?"

"Why do you keep talking like it's fine?" I frowned.

"I am able to have it restored."

"Really?" I perked up and shifted to see his eyes. "But it was wrecked."

"Do not underestimate Roger's skills," he smiled. "If you would allow me to have it restored, of course."

"Thank you!" I enthusiastically reached up, slipping an arm around his neck, and kissed his cheek. The hand around his neck slipped easily into the hair at the nape of his neck and I lightly scratched.

He turned to look into my eyes, his own suddenly hot with desire. I could see that he was pleading for permission. I smiled and leaned up for his kiss. He rushed his lips to mine and kissed me hungrily. I kissed him back carefully, afraid to accidentally hurt him again.

He groaned in annoyance, clearly wanting more, and let go of the wheel for a second. His arm came to my back, strong and possessive, and he pulled me up and closer. When he gripped the wheel again, I was kneeling on the seat hovering over him as he kissed me hotly, demanding my complete surrender.