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I clenched my thighs together at the pulse of arousal those words sent shooting straight to my clit.

Alek began to follow as Caleb pulled me along with him, my protective shadow looming nearby. But Caleb turned on him.

“Not you, Mr. Nordson. Back to bed with you. I’ll see to our naughty Miss Fallon.”

Alek’s eyes were stormy, and I could tell he wanted to come to my defense, but I reached out, grasping his fingers. “It’s all right. I’m used to his snarly ways. He’s all bark, trust me. I’ll be fine.”

“He has fangs. Don’t let the collar fool you.”

“That collar doesn’t fool anyone but him.”

Caleb’s eyes flared at that, but he didn’t respond as we continued to walk. Alek pulled gently on my hand, bringing us to a stop, because for all his grouchy demeanor, Caleb wasn’t going to hurt me. Not unless I asked him to.

“Let me know when you’re safely returned to your room, Kærasta.”

I went up on my tiptoes to kiss him. “I will, elskan mín.”