Chapter 582 Chapter 582
“With mates, is there this constant need to see them? I don’t know if that’s why I can’t stop looking at you or if it’s because you’re the first woman I’ve been around that doesn’t look at me with fear on their face.”
Blaise looked at the door, wondering when the others would be back. Dragging her gaze away from it, she glanced at Griffin, who stood in the middle of the room. “I guess it’s the mate thing because I feel it too, my cat wants to be right beside you all the time.” She could have lied, probably should have, but that wasn’t how she was made.
“You were upset earlier, I knew it, or my bear did. What happened?”
Moving away from the table with the map, she sat on the arm of the couch and looked down at her hands. She might tell the truth, but that didn’t mean she wanted to look at it too. “Just a call home.”
“You miss your family. I’d say I understand, but the only family I know, I’d rather stick a knife in their heart than talk to them.”
She grinned fleetingly, “I get that.” She blew out a breath, “uh, no, not really missing them—they, uh, are happier when I’m not around,” she motioned to the darker side of her neck, but still didn’t look right at him. “I’m embarrassing.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’re an amazing woman. You’re on a team that I assume isn’t easy to get on—male or female. Your family should be singing your praises.”
Blaise smirked, “no, it’s all about my brother with them.” She looked back at her hands, turning them side by side. She’d always thought it looked like hands from two different people. She heard him move across the room but continued to study her hands.
He stopped before her and touched her chin, so she looked up at him. His eyes were that of man and not his bear, it was good he was getting his animal under control, even though he didn’t think he was.
“I’m proud to know you.” He told her softly, “some families are overrated.”
Blaise licked her lips and tried to find a way to change the subject, “I think our families fit into the cruel and unusual category.”
“They do.” The warm touch on her chin was hard to ignore. “Stand up.”
She gave him a wary look but still got to her feet.
“Don’t stab or shoot me,” she could see amusement in his eyes, “I just want to hug you.”
Blaise tried to clamp down on her emotions so he wouldn’t see how surprised she was.
“I don’t know if you need one, but I feel like you need one.” He held his hand behind her but didn’t force her to move.
She wasn’t sure if she moved or if he did but found herself in his arms with her face resting against his collarbone, and her arms were wrapped around his waist. It felt good, not in a sexual way, but in a way that calmed her cat and seemed like it rejuvenated her soul. It was odd that a hug could do that, but it did. Blaise closed her eyes for a moment, telling herself that the hug was over when she opened them. She couldn’t afford soft emotional moments; it had taken her too long to build the shield that protected her.
Griffin didn’t squeeze her or grope any part of her, he just stood there and gently held her. She could hear his heartbeat, and considering the strength, it was beating with, she thought it was amazing he was just standing still.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes. He smelled like home like a place she needed, and the realization shook her to the core. Her cat was still and watchful and it was one of the rare moments that Blaise wasn’t sure what she was thinking. Stepping back, she placed her palm over his heart and patted his chest lightly a few times. “We should take the other bags out, we’re going soon.”
He placed a hand over hers, and she felt him inhale deeply. “Okay.”
When he stepped away, she felt like a coward. Who was afraid of a hug? A hug that could break all of her defenses and dissolve her strength. The biggest problem with Griffin having lived as he had, was that he didn’t know he was supposed to be a big jerk like too many men were. Blowing out a breath, she turned away from him and walked to the kitchen.
“Blaise?”
She glanced at him when she reached the door.
“I’m here if you need another hug,” he shrugged, “or to talk. I don’t know most answers, but I have ears.”
He was a jerk for saying the right things. “I’m aces, Griff, but thanks.” She looked away before he could see her lie. How was she going to do infinite days with him, secluded and on the move? She had no idea, but it was her assignment, so somehow, she’d get it done.