Page 130 of The Auction Block

The bed indents and my eyes flutter open. Blake's staring down at me, his face impassive. I raise my eyebrows, pushing myself up onto my elbows.

"What's wrong?"

"I want to talk to you about something," he says his voice soft.

"Okay. So, talk."

"I'd like to organize a charity event in honor of Shannon's return. Nothing too big," he says, sprawling out next to me, propping up on one elbow.

"Blake, you know that would be very dangerous. You hosting an event is sure to attract the people we're trying to keep away from you," I say sternly, rolling onto my side to face him.

"I know, but it's important. I want to have some of the girls from the halfway house come. Sorina, for sure. Some of the people I know from Interpol."

I sigh. His lips press into a thin line, his features softening. "Talk to Vlad about security and Sammi about location and surveillance. I'll call Monroe and get the okay from my side."

"Seriously?" His eyebrows shoot up and his mouth gapes.

I laugh. "Yes, Blake. I can tell this is important to you, so we'll figure out how to make it happen."

"There's something else I thought about while I was in the shower," he says in a hushed tone, looking down at his fingers, trailing patterns on the blanket.

"What else?"

"I'd like Sorina to come live with us now." He looks at me through his eyelashes and I stare at him, stunned.

Now?

"Blake . . . I . . . "

"We can do more for her here," he says, determined.

"When?"

"Tomorrow," he says, cupping the side of my face.

"You don't think we're moving too fast?"

"Do you want to take care of her?"

"Yes," I answer with vigor.

I never thought of caring for another person, but Sorina's a lot like me, and I wasn't given a real chance. I want more for her. She's still young, and she could make a real life for herself. Get an education and make herself happy.

"Then it seems like the obvious thing to do. You're not going anywhere, and neither am I. What's the point in waiting?" he says, leaning in to kiss my lips.

"She has nowhere to stay here," I argue.

Oh, he's going to make my head spin.

"Teresa, Shannon, and I can convert a room. I can have furniture dropped off by noon. Trust me."

"Are you sure?" I search his face for some ulterior motive, but the only thing I see is determination.

"Yes, Lily. You love her, even if you can't say it yet. You love me, and I you. We can't have kids, but we can raise Sorina. She'll never want for anything again. She'll be safe here and loved. Between my family and your team, she'll damn near drown in it."

"Okay."

"Okay. I love you," he says, pulling me into his arms.