Page 124 of Viking

I grab a throw pillow, hugging it to my chest like a shield. “Like what?”

“Like you’re about to combust,” Ivy says, standing up. “Is it Logan?”

I groan, tilting my head back against the couch. “Maybe.”

“You need more wine,” she states, giving Alinna a pointed look. She immediately jumps up, snatching my wineglass from my hand and following Ivy into the kitchen for refills. They’re probably in the kitchen giggling and whispering about whatever it is they think Logan and I are talking about.

My phone buzzes again, and despite myself, I peek at the screen.

LOGAN: You’re cruel.

LILA: You asked.

LOGAN: I regret nothing. Except not being there to see you.

I bite down on a smile, warmth curling low through my stomach. It’s almost embarrassing how easily he makes me forget the ache of missing him.

LILA: What would you do if you were?

I shift, pulling my knees up to my chest, my heart pounding so loudly I swear the girls can hear it as they settle back onto the couch. I can feel their eyes on me, but I’m already too far gone, caught up in Logan and the way he can make me feel wanted from thousands of miles away.

His reply comes almost instantly, and my breath catches.

LOGAN: I’d start by kissing you slow.

LOGAN: I’d make you beg for it.

I nearly drop the phone.

“Okay, what is happening?” Ivy presses, scooting closer. “You’re blushing.”

“I am not blushing,” I say, but my voice cracks, betraying me.

“You absolutely are, your face is bright red,” Alinna counters, grabbing for my phone. I jerk it out of reach, clutching it to my chest. She smirks, then hands me my wineglass.

I gulp down a sip and type back my reply.

LILA: Beg? Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t take control first.

LOGAN: Be my guest. You have no idea what you do to me.

I swear the room tilts.

“Oh my gosh,” Ivy breathes, shaking her head as she begins to smile. “Is he sexting you right now?”

“No!” I yelp, my voice way too high-pitched to be convincing.

LOGAN: But then I’d pin your hands above your head and remind you exactly who’s in charge.

I slam my phone face down on the couch and cover my face with my hands. “I’m actually dying.”

Alinna bursts out laughing.

Ivy grins. “At least deployment hasn’t killed the spark.” The understatement of the year.

LILA: Big talk for someone who isn’t here.

LOGAN: I don’t need to be there to know how to wreck you.