When they were clean, he helped her step out of the tub onto the thin mat. “Why?” she asked. “You want me.” His erection was too blatant to miss.

  “More than almost anything.” He rubbed the scratchy, thin towel over her arms and legs. “The only thing I need more is to take care of you.” He dragged the damp towel over himself before tossing it over the rod. “We’re both clean. Once we’re fed, we can crawl into bed.” Hand on the small of her back, he led her into the other room and seated her at the table.

  “We’re dining naked now? That’s a thing?”

  A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “It’s on my list.”

  Intrigued, she rested her elbows on the table. “What list?”

  “My ‘what I want to do with Amy’ list.”

  His teasing lightened her mood. He was right—not that she’d ever admit it. They needed some normalcy before making love again. Clean and fed, they could put tonight behind them and focus on the future.

  “Do tell? What else is on that list? And where can I find it?”

  Chuckling, he set a foam tray in front of her and opened it. “They’re cold, but I know how much you love pancakes.”

  “Is there syrup?” She was hungry enough to eat the container itself.

  He set three packets of syrup in front of her.

  “Thanks. What about this mysterious list?” She dug in, the first mouthful exploding on her tongue. “So good.”

  He paused from shoveling cold scrambled eggs into his mouth long enough to tap the side of his head. “It’s all in here.”

  Loving their banter, she pointed the plastic fork at him. “I’m not sure I believe you.”

  He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Trust me. It’s long and varied.”

  Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them back. Her smile wobbled.

  “Amy?”

  “I’m fine.” She wouldn’t have it any other way.

  They ate in silence until all the containers were empty and the garbage tucked back into the bags. She climbed into bed, holding the covers back until he slid in beside her. Rather than kiss her, he rolled onto his side and propped his head up on his hand. “We don’t have to go home now. Not if you don’t want to.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Etienne cursed himself for a fool. His balls throbbed and his cock was about to explode. Sitting calmly across the table from her, eating and making conversation while she was naked, might have been the hardest thing he’d ever done.

  He’d only been able to see her from the waist up, but that was enough to give him a hard-on for a month. Her creamy skin was marred by several gashes. They were healing but were a blight, a reminder of what had happened. Her full breasts had swayed every time she moved, their pink nipples taut and juicy. It had taken all his concentration not to jump over the table and take her down onto the floor and fuck her.

  Because she wanted him.

  The scent of her arousal had teased him mercilessly while they ate. Scenes from their shower replayed in his brain like a movie. Amy wet and naked and gliding her hands over him. Him stroking her slick skin, soap bubbles sliding over the slope of her breasts, down her torso, and settling in the golden curls on her mound.

  His cock jerked and he swallowed back a groan. If they’d made love earlier, concentrating would be easier.

  Her eyes widened and her lips parted. “What are you saying?”

  What had he been saying? Pull it together. “Fleur is safe. There’s no need for her or her brothers to head to Salvation.”

  “Did they say anything to you about it?”

  It surprised him that she didn’t jump on the excuse not to go home. “No, but it’s something they have to be considering. I told them the invitation is still open.” He stroked his index finger down the slope of her shoulder. “That doesn’t mean we have to go with them.”

  Her brow furrowed and she frowned. “Jacque would have already told my parents I’m coming home.”

  “We can call them and explain. Or we can go for a visit and leave again.”

  “Don’t you want to go home?”

  He searched for the right words. “I love Salvation Pack land. It speaks to my soul. Everyone I love is there. It’s my place.”

  Her green eyes clouded. “You’re so sure.”

  Taking a risk, he cupped her chin. “Stop running from yourself. Face your family and your doubts. The pack is your strength. I’m your strength. Use us.”

  “You make it sound so easy.”

  “Not easy. Worthwhile.”

  “You’re right.” Heaving a sigh, she lay on her back and stared at the ceiling. “Almost as soon as I left I knew I’d made a mistake.”

  “Why didn’t you come home?”

  Her lips quirked up. “And admit I was wrong?”

  He tapped the center of her forehead. “Always so stubborn.”

  “Determined. And if I’d run back home with my tail between my legs, I’d have always wondered if I’d done the right thing. I don’t regret these weeks. I’ve traveled, seen some of the country, met different people, and had some incredible experiences.” She bit her bottom lip. “And some not so incredible experiences. I’m sor—”

  He placed his index finger over her lips. “Don’t apologize. Maybe it was fate that led us to this place. I mean, what are the odds of us running into the Landrys?” He’d given this some thought. “Maybe I needed to learn I could stand on my own, without the backup of my father and the pack.” This trip had changed him in ways he never would have imagined. “It’s solidified who I am?”

  “And who are you?” She laid her hand over his heart.

  “A protector.” Would that be enough for her? “I have no great ambitions to make my mark in the world, to accumulate millions. I’m a simple man. Give me the open woods, a place to put my head at night, a good meal, a way to contribute to the pack, and I’m content. I enjoy the woodworking, using my hands to create. It feeds another part of my soul, but it’s not my life. My purpose is to keep those I love safe.”

  “And that’s enough?”

  “I could be satisfied with that, but what would make it perfect, what would make me happy, would be to share it with someone special. With you.”

  “Etienne.”

  “I don’t want or expect an answer tonight.” He wasn’t sure he could handle it if she told him she didn’t want to be with him on a permanent basis. He was worn to the bone—emotionally and physically. His wounds were almost healed, but it took a tremendous amount of energy. The yawn caught him off guard. The sun would be rising soon on another busy day.

  “Think about it.” He rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. “Sleep on it. Whatever you decide, I’m with you.” He yearned to kiss every inch of her, to soothe her healing wounds, to delve between her legs to bring her pleasure, to feast on her lips. But he didn’t want her making love to him because she thought she owed him for rescuing her.

  Obligation wasn’t love, and he wouldn’t settle for less. He deserved it all. They both did. But that was cold comfort as he lay there, his cock aching, his arms empty. Amy was lying beside him, but she might as well have been a hundred miles away. There was a divide he feared might keep growing, driving them apart.

  He curled his fingers into fists to keep from reaching for her. The minutes dragged on. They were both exhausted, but neither of them slept.

  The covers rustled as she sidled closer. His shoulders relaxed, the muscles finally unclenching. She poked his arm. Obliging her, he lifted it. She settled her head against his chest. “I’m not the only stubborn one,” she muttered.

  Smiling, his breathing evened out and the last of the tension left him. Everything was right in his world.

  ****

  The sun was bright enough to penetrate the closed drapes and lighten the room. Amy was warm and cozy and in no hurry to go anywhere. In spite of all the thoughts racing around her brain, she’d succumbed to sleep.

  Lying on a lumpy mattress in a cheap motel, she’d never been more content. It wasn’t the place that made the difference. It was the people. Or rather, person. Hearing him talk about his own life made her look at her situation a little differently. He had a way of doing that.

  It was time to go home. She owed apologies to those she loved best. Her actions had hurt them. It hadn’t been her intention. She’d panicked and reacted, something that often got her into trouble.

  Her father called her fearless. Not so fearless now.

  “You’re thinking too hard.” His voice was deep and sexy and made her toes curl. He ran the backs of his fingers up and down her bare arm and kissed the top of her head.

  She closed her eyes and swallowed heavily, moved almost to tears by the simple gesture. He was holding nothing back, giving freely, showing her what she meant to him. He’d always seemed stoic and alone, even amongst the pack, but she knew better. His heart was the biggest of them all, which was why he guarded it so ferociously. That he’d opened it to her was a gift. One she would not take for granted.

  “I didn’t mean to wake you.” Now that he had, it was impossible to ignore the obvious—he was aroused. With one leg outside the covers, half his body was bared. The outline of his erection was very visible. Heat radiated from his large body. He smelled delicious—earthy and male. It would be so easy to roll on top of him and take what she needed. Her breasts were swollen, her nipples hard. Her core ached to be filled. Half asleep as he was, he wouldn’t turn her away.

  As much as it pained her to admit, he’d been right to insist they not make love last night in the heat of the moment. He deserved her full commitment. This wasn’t a game, not for either of them. Her heart was already tangled up in feelings for him. Her body craved his touch.

  She nuzzled his chest and sighed, decision made. “Let’s go home.” It was time to deal with the mess she’d left behind. Only then could she freely commit to him.

  “You’re sure?” He stilled for a second, then resumed rubbing her arm. “I don’t want you to have regrets.”

  “I already have them. I don’t want to add more.” She forced herself out of the comfort of his embrace and shoved her hair out of her face. Being an adult sucked sometimes, but it was past time she faced the hard things.

  “Fair enough.” He pushed upright, and the covers slithered down around his waist. The tip of his erection peeked out. He groaned and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting it upward. “Keep looking at me like that and we won’t be going anywhere.”

  “That’s not exactly a deterrent.” She was too hot, her skin sensitive to the slightest touch. In the short time they’d been together, she’d explored her sexuality. She’d also come to know his body almost as well as her own.

  Dragging herself away, she scooted to the end of the bed and buried her face in her hands. “Give me a minute.” She was shaking with need. Her wolf was ready to commit.

  I love him.

  In the end, that’s what it all boiled down to. He’d come for her, even after she’d left him. He’d suppressed his needs in order to give her what she needed. If they were going to mate, it wasn’t going to be in some generic motel.

  Even now, he remained still and silent behind her, shoving aside what he needed, supporting her. It was humbling, to say the least.

  “Let’s do this.” Shoving off the bed, she strode toward the bathroom. “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”

  Her estimate was only off by a bit. Twenty minutes later, they were packed and the truck was loaded. Leaning against the hood of the vehicle, she tilted her head back, enjoying the sunshine.

  Etienne banged his fist against the Landrys’ door. When no one answered, she pushed away from the truck and joined him. He tilted his head to one side and listened. “They’re not in there.” He tried the knob, but the door was locked.

  Amy shaded her eyes with her hand and scanned the parking lot. “I don’t see their vehicle. Do you think they’re gone somewhere for lunch?”

  “I think they’re gone.”

  She dropped her hand. “They left without telling us.” After everything they’d been through, that hurt.

  “Wait here.” He strode to the office. Through the large glass windows, she watched Etienne speak with the clerk. When he exited, he had a frown on his face and an envelope in his hand. “Let’s go.”

  Scrambling around to the passenger side of the truck, she climbed in and buckled up. He started the engine and pulled out before handing her the letter. “Clerk said they checked out an hour ago and left this.”

  Amy ripped it open and pulled out the single sheet of paper. She scanned to the bottom. “It’s from Luc.” Taking a breath, she began to read. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You did what I failed to do for my family. I’m not sure where we’ll end up. None of us want to go back to a community that didn’t fully support us when we needed it. There’s no way to know if there will be repercussions from what happened last night. The last thing we want to do is bring more trouble your way. Plus, there’s still the little issue with Amy. I’m not sure her family would be as understanding as she is.” Luc didn’t mention Etienne killing Blaine. He also used community instead of pack. Smart in case the desk clerk was nosy.

  Etienne shook his head. “He’s not wrong. No way to know how your daddy might react.”

  “I hadn’t actually planned on telling him they’d kidnapped me.” When he glanced over and gave her a long look, she sighed. “I hate that you’re right. I have to tell them everything.” It occurred to her that she had known exactly what he meant with his look. They didn’t need words to communicate. It was the same kind of connection her parents shared.

  Heartened by the thought, even as she dreaded the idea of sharing all her adventures, she cleared her throat and continued, “After much discussion, we’ve decided to go it on our own, at least for a while. We have your phone number and will stay in contact. We wish you well. If you ever need us, call and we’ll come. We owe you more than we can ever repay.”

  She flipped over the page. “Looks like Fleur added a bit on the back. I hope you both find happiness. You deserve it. Thank you for giving me and my brothers a chance at a normal life.”

  Sighing, she refolded it and put it back in the envelope. “Do you think they’ll be all right?”

  “They have one another, which will help. They’ll eventually need to find a pack if they want to mate, but for now, they’ll rest easier and take the time to figure things out.”

  If she was being honest, she’d been looking forward to their presence as a sort of buffer zone. “Should we call Jacque?”

  “We’ll be there in a matter of hours. Might as well wait and explain it all in person.” He put on the indicator and pulled into the drive-thru at a fast food restaurant. “Order what you’d like. I’m not stopping until we’re home.”

  ****

  Etienne prayed he wasn’t making a mistake. The closer they got to home, the tenser Amy became. She sat rigid in her seat, her hands twisting the seat belt across her chest. There was no smile or excited chatter. She was pale, her lips swollen from her having bitten them so much.

  The turn-off for their private road was just ahead. He pulled over onto the side of the road and put the truck in park.

  “Why are you stopping?”

  “Because those are the first words you’ve uttered in the last two hours.” Undoing his seat belt, he turned sideways and took her hand in his. “Chère, everyone loves you. They’ll have questions. They’re blaming themselves, wondering what they did wrong to make you leave. No one will blame you. They love you,” he repeated. He wanted to yell “I love you,” but it wasn’t the time or place. “I’ll be beside you the whole time.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.” Hell, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make her happy. That’s how it was for the males of their pack. They were tough, badass wolves, but when it came to their women, they were all softies.

  Her green eyes went glassy with tears, but she shed none. Instead, she pulled herself together and nodded. “Let’s do this.”

  As expected, Jacque and Cole were waiting when they pulled into the pack parking lot. The truck hadn’t come to a stop before Cole ripped the door open and dragged his daughter out. Her feet dangling in the air, he held her tight, burying his face in her hair.

  The reunion brought a lump to his throat, even as it worried him. Her parents weren’t going to let her out of their sight for months. That could be a problem. Not only for their budding relationship, but if they smothered her too much, the guilt might kill her newfound confidence. Then they’d be back where they started.

  Jacque glanced down the road when Etienne climbed out of the truck. “You’re alone.”

  “Yes, long story. Figured it was best we tell it all at once.”

  Rather than demand an explanation, Jacque studied him and then nodded. “Your parents are at the house with Cherise. I decided to keep the group small until we sorted this out.”

  Cole reluctantly put his daughter back on her own two feet. “Your mother is waiting.”

  Amy squared her shoulders, but glanced toward him. Leaving Jacque, Etienne went to her side and took her hand. He had no intention of hiding his feelings for her. Cole’s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned, but he said nothing.

  His neck tingled as she dragged them down the path to the alpha’s house, warning of a threat. He suspected Cole would have a lot to say once his daughter wasn’t around. That was fine with him. He had nothing to hide.

  The door of the house slammed open. Cherise bolted down the stairs, tears streaming down her face. “My baby. My baby.”

  Amy ran into her momma’s open arms. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” Both of them were crying now. He hated to see them hurting, but this was the start of healing.

  Cherise took her daughter by the shoulders. “It’s okay, baby. I’m just glad you’re home.” She looked at him and mouthed, “Thank you.”

  He shook his head, uncomfortable with her thanks.

  His father came straight to him, yanked Etienne into his arms, and hugged him tight. “I am glad you are safe. But you are both changed, I think.” He might be slightly taller than his father, but there was no one he respected more, no one stronger … or more astute. Here was a bedrock of love he never took for granted.