Chapter 27 #2
“That sounds like a yes to me.” His lips curl, and as always, the effect leaves me breathless.
“What is happening, Rian?” I don’t dare look away for fear of breaking the moment building between us. “What is…this? Why do I feel this way?”
He releases one of my wrists. Rather than lowering my hand, I rest my palm against his chest. His heartbeat quickens under my touch.
Rian’s free hand cups the side of my face. His thumb caresses the thin skin on the inside of my wrist he still holds. My knees weaken.
“I cannot name what this is between us,” he says finally, eyes darkening. “Not unless you want to awaken a possessive beast that would steal you away from anyone you’ve ever known or loved.”
The words thrill and terrify me. I can feel the pull of him, the danger in wanting him. Everything about this is forbidden, and yet it feels right.
Gods, what is happening to me?
I drop my gaze to my arms, once more taking in the bare skin, feeling a hint of loss at the missing marks.
Seconds pass. Rian waits patiently, content to watch me and stroke my skin, sending flares of desire into my core.
Finally, I whisper, “I don’t understand.”
“That is likely for the best,” he says once more.
He dips down, and my stomach clenches.
Is he going to kiss me?
Do I want him to?
Gods, help me…I do.
I can judge myself for these thoughts and desires when I’m alone—I can chastise myself for craving another man when I just ended things with Lev. I’ll call myself a harlot. Disloyal. Whatever I feel.
But right now? I’m tired of denying myself.
I stay as still as a hare caught under a predator’s stare, barely breathing as Rian closes the short distance between us.
His lips brush the side of my throat.
This time, though, his nose touches my skin, and he inhales. “Mother, save me. You smell divine.”
Bumps pepper my skin. “So do you.”
His smile brushes against my throat. “Is that so?”
“Mm-hmm.” I rise on my toes, gripping his tunic for purchase. “Like spice and nature. The woods and evergreen trees.”
An approving growl builds in his throat. His lips press the smallest kiss to my neck, and I melt.
My grip on his tunic tightens. The hand still holding my wrist releases. He slides an arm around my back, drawing me even closer.
Our hearts beat against each other through our clothes. The neckline of my gown exposes more flesh than usual, and Rian’s shadows caress the smooth skin in a slow, tantalizing rhythm.
My breath quickens. “Will you kiss me?”
Another growl. “I’m debating it.”
“What is there to debate?” I slide my hands up to the back of his neck. My legs wobble when he presses another kiss to my throat. “I…I want you to.”
“Sunshine," he says, pained. “You cannot say such things.”
“Why not?”
“Because I cannot keep you,” he confesses even as his grip tightens and he presses a kiss to my jawline. “Though everything I am demands I do so.”
Keep me?
Those two words should send me running to the square—back to Ferria and Juniper—back to safety.
But may the Gods help me, Rian’s possessive tone and the way his hand presses against my back with blatant want does something to me.
Is this a side effect of the natchling’s attack? Should I be concerned about the state of my mind?
Rian tilts his head. His teeth graze my ear, and thoughts skitter away as the tantalizing sensation travels all the way to my toes.
Forget consequences.
That’s a problem for the morning.
Rian leaves tomorrow. Nothing can come from this, but that’s all the more reason to stop fighting and give in.
I turn my head.
He pulls back just enough to meet my eyes. Strands of silver swirl with the tiniest streaks of blue and purple—a beautiful masterpiece.
“Kiss me,” I demand in a breathless whisper.
The blue in his irises flares. His fingertips dig into my back.
I brace myself for him to draw away.
But his head lowers.
I tangle my fingers in his hair, rising on my toes to meet his lips halfway.
“Unless your decision this morning has changed, brother,”—Draven’s hard voice cuts through the night—“I strongly suggest you rethink your next move.”
The moment shatters like a hammer striking a looking glass.
I drop to my heels and slide my hands from Rian’s neck and rest them on his chest.
Heat rises in my cheeks as I peek to the side and confirm Draven stands at the opening of the alley, within the shadowed curtain concealing us from passing revelers.
Rian’s muscles ripple under my palms.
I look back at the rigid male and bite the inside of my cheek. His jaw is tight, eyes flat. He stares at Draven, and like many times before, I get the sense they’re having a silent conversation.
I drop my arms and move to step out of his arms.
Rian’s hold remains firm.
To Draven, he says, “I know what I’m doing.”
“I don’t think you do.” There’s no judgment in the words.
Draven’s features are hard, but there is wariness in his gaze. Even concern.
The sight effectively douses my desire.
I clear my throat and give a tiny push against Rian’s chest. The thrum of his heartbeat makes my own flutter, but I don’t allow myself to succumb to the feeling. Not again.
Rian’s eyes shift to me. His lips part but then press together. His brow furrows, and conflicting wants and desires swirl in his stunning eyes, mirrored by the frenetic slithering and snapping of the shadows at his back.
“It’s okay,” I whisper, pushing against him once more, and I use his earlier words against him. “This is probably for the best.”
His lips turn down, but when I push again, he finally drops the hand holding me against him.
I shuffle back, aware of how weak my legs still are from the rampage of lust that coursed through my veins.