You simply never know.
After giving me the two best — and only — back-to-back orgasms of my life, Nate kissed me firmly, stalked into my walk-in closet, threw the smallest suitcase from my luggage set onto the bed, and ordered me to pack while he fed Boo and then took him around the block for a much needed walk. I was so sated and happy, I barely even glared at him when he grunted that I was — and I quote — “not to move a fucking inch outside this house” until he got back.
Bossy, arrogant, sexy son-of-a-bitch.
By the time I finish packing, the duffle bag is bursting at the seams. I have no idea where the plane is headed, so I stick with the basics — a few pairs of jeans, four of my favorite blouses, my Chanel wool coat, and three pairs of heels.
Flats are for sissies.
I’m sitting on the counter sipping a can of cranberry-lime seltzer, admiring the way my sparkly Kate Spade platform pumps catch the light, when Nate walks into the kitchen with Boo cradled in the crook of his arm like a football. The Pom looks happy as can be, nestled against him.
“Good walk?” I ask.
He nods and sets Boo on the floor. When his eyes find mine, they’re ultra warm. Like melted chocolate.
“Did he sniff everything in a three mile radius?” I ask as Nate walks toward me.
“Yes.”
“Did he poop?”
His hands land on either side of my neck. His thumbs push my chin up gently, so my face is angled toward his. “You really want to talk about dog poop right now?”
“Nope,” I breathe.
“Good.” A second later his mouth hits mine, delivering a lingering kiss that makes my mind spin. Things are just getting good when he breaks away. “We have to go.”
My bottom lip juts out in a pout. “I still don’t understand why I have to leave tomorrow.”
His eyes find mine and there’s no mistaking the serious look in them. “I can’t do this with you here, little bird. The thought of them coming after you, hurting you again…” His head shakes swiftly. “When I think about that, I can’t focus on anything else. Hell, I can barely fucking breathe.”
My face softens. “Nate—”
“I need you safe.” His voice is firm. “And you won’t be, until you’re away from here.”
I sigh, frustrated but resigned. I’m not so pig-headed I can’t see the logic behind his words.
“Fine,” I whisper. “I’ll go. But I won’t like it.”
He nips my bottom lip playfully. “I put Boo’s water bowls, food, and leash in a bag by the door. Does he need anything else?”
“Stuffed duck toy,” I say immediately.
“Okay. I’ll make sure we grab the duck on the way out.” Nate’s eyes crinkle. “You finish packing your shit?”
“Yes.” I tilt my head toward the bag resting by the fridge. “Though it wasn’t easy, since I have no idea where you’re sending me.”
“Somewhere safe.”
I give him a look. “Vague, much?”
His lips twitch as he strolls across the room and picks up my bag.
“Christ, this is heavy. What’s in here? A grenade launcher?” Before I can say a word, he’s unzipped the duffle and peered inside. “Three pairs of heels? Really, West?” He shakes his head in exasperation. “You’re going to a safe house, not Paris Fashion Week.”
“Don’t you dare touch my shoes, Nathaniel Knox!” I hiss, hopping off the counter and striding toward him, tugging the hem of my black Prada mini-dress as I go. “I need those!”
“You don’t.”
“I do!” I screech, watching as he pulls out two pairs and sets them on the counter. “Hey!”