The concussive blast tore through the heavy frame, sending shattered oak, twisted brass, and a cloud of burning cordite smoke roaring into the office.
In that exact fraction of a second, Alex moved.
With effortless, unhurried strength, he wrapped his arms around Naomi and shifted his body, using his broad, iron-sculpted back to shield her completely from the flying splinters and the shockwave.
Naomi stayed right where she was... locked securely on his lap, her bare thighs clamped tight around his hips, her face buried deep into the warm curve of his neck and chest.
He hadn't pulled out. If anything, the violent detonation seemed to feed the untamed fire running through his veins.
