Chapter 20

With Raven leaning against the doorframe, Noah pulled a blanket up to Aubrey's chin and leaned over the bed to kiss her forehead, reassuring her he'd be there come morning. Her blonde hair spread out over the pillow, her blue eyes sleepy, he had to resist not rubbing the ache in his chest. His whole adult life had been about protecting this precious little girl, when he'd barely been of adult age himself.

And she needed her sleep. "I love you." He rose and headed for the door.

"Love you more. Does she like coloring?" Aubrey asked through a yawn.

Noah lifted his brows, pleased Aubrey was sending out feelers for Raven. In no time, they'd be past the awkward phase and Aubrey would love her to no end. That's how she rolled. Her trust was never-ending. "Raven's a master colorer."

Aubrey laughed. "That's not a real word."

Raven smiled, exhaustion in her features. "I don't know about master, but I can hold my own. How about we get right on that after breakfast tomorrow?"

Leaving Aubrey to her slumber, he and Raven worked their way through the second floor suites where Aubrey's caretakers slept, as well as the security team. They climbed the stairs to the third floor and to his suite on the far end of the house.

Just as she'd done since arriving, Raven took in her surroundings quietly. He'd designed and built this house from the ground up, carefully selecting everything from the region to the light fixtures. He wondered if she liked it. Somehow, that was important to him. He wasn't expecting how it would make him feel having her here. So right, so-perfect.

She crossed the polished bare hardwood floors of the living room, decorated in plush brown leather furniture and rustic tables, to stand by the glass wall facing the lake. Moonlight bathed her face in ethereal wonder. In the distance, the Northern Lights flashed and danced across the sky. His fingers itched for his camera, but he didn't think she'd appreciate that at the moment.

He dug in his pocket and extracted a small box. Walking over to stand behind her, he held it out to her. "Your Valentine's present."

She craned her neck to look at him, pretty brown eyes wide. "You didn't have to do that. I-we-"

"We were supposed to be finished. I know, but I can't seem to quit you." He brushed his knuckles down her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. The need to strip her down and bury himself inside her was fierce, but he had a lot of explaining to do and he wasn't sure she wouldn't still leave him afterward. "Open it. To warn you, I've never bought a Valentine's gift before."

She smiled. "Never got one before, so my expectations are low." She flipped the lid of the velvet box and drew in a sharp gasp. "Oh, it's lovely."

Reaching around her, he pulled the small ruby heart from the box and slid the chain through his fingers. Raven was simple sophistication and not flash, so he had to refrain from buying the largest rock he could find. "There's just something about you and the color red that makes my blood roar." Unclasping the chain, he brought it to her throat and fastened it behind her neck. It rested perfectly above the swell of her breasts.

She fingered the charm. "I love it. Thank you."

He wrapped one arm around her from behind, tugging her flush against him. Dipping his head, he used his other hand to sweep her hair off her shoulder and kissed her neck. "You're welcome. Feel free to wear that, and only that, to bed later."

Laughing, she turned in his arms. "Done." She stroked his chest over his white shirt, her smile faltering. "Noah-"

He exhaled and dropped his forehead to hers. "Come sit down. I'll answer all your questions."

She nodded and took a spot on the couch, leaving his arms unbearably empty. She was expecting him to sit next to her by the expectant expression, but he couldn't sit down to do this. Frankly, it wasn't a story he'd told in years, for so long it would seem as if it were someone else's life if not for Aubrey.

Rubbing his neck, he figured starting at the beginning was best. He could only wish he wasn't throwing ten years of friendship and one month of sweet bliss out the window.