Page 6 of A Very Grumpy Marine

I hold out a hand, needing to touch her.

“Camden.”

She hesitates, then takes it.

And that’s it. That one touch, and I’m done.

Her hand is soft, small in mine, but her grip is strong. I want to know what those hands feel like running over my skin.

“I’m Lymric.”

Lymric.

The name fits her. It’s different. Unique. Unforgettable.

I squeeze her hand slightly, letting my thumb brush over her skin. Her breath hitches, and satisfaction settles deep in my chest.

She felt that. I know she did.

“You’re mine,” I say, because there’s no point in pretending otherwise.

Her mouth drops open. “What?”

I don’t blink. Don’t waver.

“You’re mine.”

Silence.

Then she pulls her hand back, narrowing her eyes.

“Wow. Okay. Someone’s been watching too many romance movies,” she mutters.

I smirk. “You feel it too.”

“I feel like you might be crazy.”

I let out a low chuckle. “You’ll see soon enough.”

She groans, pressing her fingers to her temples. “Look, I just met you, and you’re already calling dibs?”

“Not dibs,” I correct. “Destiny.”

Her laugh is half-amused, half-exasperated. “Oh my god.”

“You’ll come around,” I tell her, stepping closer.

Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t move away.

Good.

She wants to run, but she won’t. She’s curious. She wants to see what happens next.

“I just need directions,” she says finally, crossing her arms.

“Directions?”

“To get off this damn trail. I got lost. I’ve been wandering around looking for someone to help me, and your dog just happened to find me first.”

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