“All Luke needs is an apology, and he’s good to go.”The casual words did nothing to Maya, but Tina went still as a stone. Then she stood and crossed her arms.“Why would she need to apologize if she’s not the one at fault?”“How would you know she’s not the one at fault?” Eric shot back.“And why would you assume she is?”Somehow, Maya got the idea that it was no longer about her as the two stood looking at each other, stubbornly latching on to their stance. Then Tina uncrossed her arms and sighed.“Are you watching this area until Reese comes back?”“Obviously.”“Fine. Have a good watch.”She stalked off after. Maya ogled in fascination as what she thought would be Eric ignoring her all the way became him staring at Tina’s back upon her retreat with what looked like longing in his eyes. The longing disappeared when he looked away, and he was back to his composure when he returned his focus to Maya.“I didn’t mean to make you the culprit. But my brother isn’t the type to avoid someon

Things were fine between them, but it didn’t give him the authority to keep looking at her. It took an effort to cut the connection and look elsewhere until his gaze landed on Eric, who stood at the edge of the clearing and was agitated. He couldn’t see who Eric was talking to, and his brother ventured out before he could observe some more.“Are you on duty tonight?” Reese asked.“No.” Luke debated within. “But it doesn’t hurt to check around.”“I can help—”“No, stay here. Enjoy the night. I got this.”Reese settled in, not about to contradict the offer to relax. Luke crept out of the main hub and checked around as he had said, but it was more a sensing of things rather than actively finding some open threat. Voices flitted in his ears: the muted laughter and clinking of goblets, the quiet conversation of people just bonding. A moan in the distance signaled that not everyone was down to celebrate with the crowd, and he stifled a chuckle when the thumping of a wooden shed accompanied

It didn’t last long. Something had to give, and it was her who gave in first. Her hips grew more restless and her movements became more erratic. When she started bouncing, he shot up to a sitting position and helped her out, lifting her butt and pushing it down every time he thrust up. The shock on her face was blasted by desire so intense, her fingers clawed on his hair and shoulders.He took her mouth and threw himself into the delicious friction until it became unbearable. He sucked on her tongue and licked on her nipples when he was close, needing just her to anchor himself. When she pleaded with a cry, he spun them until she was on her back, knowing just what she needed. So, he gave it to her as hard as he could, pummeling it at an angle that touched her pleasure point. Maya grew wild before him, bursting into a heaving, erratic shaking before her eyes widened. At his next thrust, he swallowed the cry of release with a kiss, then moved once more until his pounding culminated into

“And he needs someone to watch over him.”“Maya’s got it,” Rosalia declared. “She will watch over Luke the entire night until I’m back. Every night.”Maya’s eyes widened.“Maya?” Bethany echoed, sounding offended. Maya’s back went up. “But I’m more qualified—”“No, you are not,” Rosalia cut in cheerfully. “The clan leader would like someone very close to Luke and me to watch over him, so it has been decided. Would you like to take your claim over to Angelo?”For the nth time, Angelo’s influence was wielded as Bethany grumbled but stopped trying to plead her case. They heard the huffy goodbye before footsteps faded.“That was a lie,” Maya called out. Rosalia shrugged.“It’s better than having her here while she tries to get a baby out of Luke.”“A baby?” Maya asked, horrified.“The woman keeps trying. Luke isn’t interested. She doesn’t care. She would probably try to sneak in here at night and seduce the man while he’s sleeping.” Rosalia’s lashes fluttered. “Will you be so kind as to w

He shifted around until he was kneeling in front of her. Finally, she met his gaze.“Luke…”“She knows you wouldn’t have hurt them.”“I almost did. All because I was stuck in my nightmares. I’m always stuck in them. I can’t seem to escape them. I’m sorry for—”“Stop,” he said harshly, then plucked her off her knees and tucked her on his lap. “Stop apologizing for a tragedy you went through. Stop apologizing if you still dream about it, because anyone would.”“I keep hearing them. My husband and daughter, but my daughter most of all.”“What were their names?”“Ava. Ava and John Leonard.”Silence. He only held her closer.“You need closure. Something to ease those memories.”The suggestion sounded casual, but there was something in his tone that latched on. She looked up to find his eyes glinting with purpose.“What do you mean?”“Would you like to revisit your old clan territory?”It took multiple explanations, another meeting between Angelo and Maya, and avoiding most of the people wh