chapter428

Connor flashed a mischievous smile. "I'd take a punch from Blake just to see you."

Lydia glanced over her shoulder as she walked back into the room. "How did you get to France so fast?"

She could have sworn he'd be stuck at home with work for a few more days.

Connor followed her inside and closed the door behind him. "I saw you at the competition. I just couldn't help myself. I had to come find you."

He stepped up and wrapped his arms gently around her from behind, pulling her close. The soft scent of her hair washed over him, and suddenly all the tension he'd been carrying seemed to disappear.

There was something about being with Lydia that made everything feel lighter. Whenever he held her, he could finally just breathe.

"You watched the competition?" Lydia arched an eyebrow.

Connor nodded. Thank God I did. Otherwise, I'd never have guessed my fianc e was the legendary Miss L."

Lydia always found a way to surprise him. The things she did were so far beyond what he thought possible. He liked to think he'd seen a lot, learned a lot, but he'd never met anyone quite like her.

"Flatterer," she muttered.

He grinned. Lydia, you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I can't believe I get to be in your life, to be the one you love."

Beneath her dark hair, Lydia's ears went warm. This guy was getting too smooth for his own good.

She wriggled free. "Let go. If you're tired, go sleep on the couch."

Connor gave her a pitiful look. No bed for me?

Lydia snorted. Nope."

Had he gotten addicted to sleeping next to her or what?

Connor laughed but as he moved to let her go, he caught a faint whiff of something medicinal. The smile dropped from his face and he got serious fast. "You got hurt?"

Lydia stepped away, brushing it off. Just some scrapes, nothing serious."

No matter how careful she was, or how good her skills, Viper's guys weren easy to deal with she'd picked up a few minor injuries on the mountain, but to her, it was nothing.

Connor, though, wasn't having it. "Let me see. I want to make sure you're really okay."

Lydia shot back, "Trying to take advantage of me?"

Connor just stared at her, speechless. Did she really think that?

"It's nothing. Just a scratch or two. It's late. Go to sleep," Lydia said, pointing at the plush velvet sofa.

Connor had already showered in his own room. He didn't argue, just walked over to the sofa and lay down.

"Alright. Sleep time."

He knew she was worn out and didn't want to push.

Watching him settle on the couch without a fuss, Lydia raised an eyebrow, half convinced he was up to something.

Whatever. She'd just ignore him. He'd probably sneak into her bed before morning anyway.

Lydia turned off the main lights, leaving just a soft nightlight glowing in the corner.

The whole room filled with a quiet warmth. Even with them on opposite sides, there was this invisible

connection between

them something that made the the

space feel both mysterious and deeply intimate. It was hard not to get lost in it.

Connor figured that even if Lydia wouldn't let him have the bed, he'd still be happy

on the sofa, as long as he was with her.

Lydia was completely exhausted.

After hours chasing and being chased through the Blackbird Lake mines a hot shower had her feeling loose and relaxed. She drifted off to

sleep almost instantly.

If Connor hadn't been there, some part of her would have stayed on edge. But with

him close by, she finally let herself go and slept deeply.

When he heard her quiet, steady breathing, Connor quietly got up from the sofa and tiptoed over to her bed.