Chapter: 2341

"Naomi." His voice was calm but unyielding as he drew her back, holding her in place. "If it stings, you can pinch me."

She narrowed her eyes. "And that won't hurt you?"

Dooley chuckled, his deep voice rumbling, "With your little strength? You couldn't hurt me if you tried."

Unconvinced, Naomi pinched his arm with all the force she could muster, only to feel the solid wall of muscle beneath her fingers.

Dooley wasn't like gym-goers who sculpted their bodies for aesthetics. His muscles were the result of years of hard, honest labor-sturdy, unyielding, and as reliable as the earth beneath his feet.