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Clutching the sheet to her chest, she sits up “What time is it?”

“Don’t worry about the time You needed your rest” I pick up the tray and carry it to the bed “Tima made omelets”

“That sood,” she says with a weak smile

“You ” Heat shades ht”

A flush works its way over her cheeks She’s not shy about sex or her body What bothers her is her surrender I know h to understand that she feels like she’s lost a battle Well, too bad Our relationship isn’t a war she should be fighting

Balancing the tray on one hand, I put a plate and htstand on her side She watches ht between her teeth, her waves deliciously untamed I’ve always found a wo about that natural beauty before it’s been touched by brushes andthanthe sheet in her small fist as if her honor depends on it We finally took ten steps forward last night I’ to let her hide from me now and take us five steps back

Hooking a finger into the sheet between the curves of her breasts, I tug gently She holds on, clenching her fingers tighter I don’t let her off the hook This isn’t a war There’s nothing to lose I’nity or pride I sis between us the way they used to be I want her to be comfortable with her nakedness aroundafter the very first time I’d claimed her

After another beat of o The fabric slides over her breasts and pools around her waist, unveiling her like a stunning life portrait Unabashedly, I stare at her curves and the pert pink nipples that top theher in no uncertain terms what she does to me

Her gaze races my erection with her attention for a second before she focuses on my face

My se—crooked and unstable I have a good et about food and have her for breakfast, but in the light of day, she’s skittish The moon was kind It let us hide in the shadows and coht I have patience, a lifetime of it where she’s concerned

“The food is getting cold,” I say, breaking the tension by walking toin under the covers next to her Isure I don’t topple the tray, and when I’ainst the headboard, I balance the tray on my lap

She gingerly reaches for the plate on her nightstand Once she’s installed herself comfortably, I hand her a fork

“Thank you,” she says, watching me from under her lashes

I choose a safe topic to keep the conversation light “I told Tima you like omelets”

She takes a bite and hums her approval as she chews The si the food warms my chest