Chapter 0188

My fingers brush against his stubble as I cradle his face. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." His voice is rough with sleep. "You've given me barely any clues, but I'll figure it out."

I nestle back against his chest. The warmth of his body and the earthy scent clinging to his skin lull me into a deep sleep.

Morning light floods the room when I wake. Something firm presses against my abdomen. For a blissful moment, I don't remember where I am. Then realization hits - I'm sprawled entirely atop Sebastian. My cheek rests on his pectoral, my legs tangled with his. And that persistent pressure against my stomach-

I bolt upright with a gasp. Holy hell. That's definitely not his belt buckle.

My sudden movement wakes him. In one fluid motion, he flips us over, pinning me beneath him. His lips find my neck, sending electric shocks down my spine. Valeria purrs in approval as his tongue traces my pulse point.

"Sebastian?"

"Mmm?" His teeth graze my collarbone. "Ready for round two?"

"SEBASTIAN!"

He jerks back like I've burned him. Recognition flashes in his eyes. "Shit. Seraphina, I'm sorry. I was half-asleep and-"

"It's fine." My cheeks could melt steel.

He sits up, running hands through his wild curls. The gesture only makes him look more deliciously disheveled. When he turns, the morning light sculpts every muscle of his bare torso. My fingers itch to trace the ridges of his abs.

Then he stands.

Every coherent thought evaporates. The man is gloriously, unapologetically naked. And from what I can see of his backside, the front view must be... impressive.

He catches me staring and smirks. "Like what you see, little guardian?"

Oh goddess, yes. "I'm going to shower," I blurt instead.

"Good plan." He stretches lazily. "We'll skip shopping since we're dining with Blackthorn Pack tonight. I'll give you a tour of Nightshade territory instead."

I nod vigorously while studying the ceiling. The floor. The wall. Anywhere but at the walking temptation currently sauntering toward me.

He stops inches away, pressing a kiss to my forehead. My traitorous eyes flick downward.

Oh.

My.

Goddess.

That explains the pressure against my stomach. The man is... generously proportioned.

Sebastian chuckles at my stunned expression. "Twenty minutes. I'll have breakfast sent up." His eyebrow arches. "Unless you need assistance washing your back?"

I squeak and bolt for the bathroom. His deep laughter follows me down the hallway.