Page 58 of Frost and Felines

Her breath hitched, and then she was coming, her body convulsing around him, her hands gripping his shoulders as she cried out. Kieran followed her over the edge, his own release hitting him hard. Waves of pleasure crashed over him as he spilled inside her, his arms tightening around her as they both gasped for air.

For a moment, they just stayed like that, their foreheads pressed together, and their breathing uneven. Kieran’s heart wasracing, his mind a jumble of emotions—satisfaction, desire, and something deeper.

When she finally pulled back, her cheeks red and her eyes bright, she gave him a warm smile.

Kieran felt a surge of pride. He might not be able to keep her, but he had made damn sure she remembered him.

27

MALLORY

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of Mallory’s room and cast a soft golden glow on the now empty space. Her packed duffel bag sat by the door, the books Kieran had given her for Christmas tucked safely inside. She ran a hand over the dresser, her fingers lingering on the polished wood. The room had been her temporary haven, but now it felt like she was about to leave a piece of herself behind.

Kieran stood by the door, his broad shoulders filling the frame. He crossed his arms, and his blue eyes locked onto her with an intensity that caused her stomach to flip. "You sure you don’t want to stay for breakfast? Charlotte made pancakes," he said, his tone light but his gaze heavy.

Mallory forced a smile, though her chest tightened. "Tempting, but I should get going before the roads get busy." She grabbed her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder, the weight of it grounding her. She needed to leave. She had to. Isolation was her sanctuary, her safety net. But part of her wished Kieran would argue and tell her to stay. Instead, he just nodded and stepped aside, his jaw tight.

They walked down the hall toward the lobby, the scent of fresh coffee and pancakes wafting through the air. Mallory’s heart ached with every step. She hated this. Hated the way her resolve wavered every time she looked at him. Last night had been… everything. And now she was walking away, pretending it didn’t matter.

Kieran reached for her bag. "Let me carry that."

"I’ve got it," she said, pulling it closer.

He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Still stubborn, huh?"

"Always," she shot back, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

Mallory's heart sank as they reached the lobby. The warm space had become so familiar – the crackling fireplace with its ornate mantle, the holiday garlands still draped across the reception desk, the antique grandfather clock ticking away in the corner. What had once felt like a strange place now felt like home, and leaving it behind felt like ripping off a piece of herself.

Charlotte stood near the front desk, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. The older woman had become almost like a mother to Mallory over the past month, always ready with advice or a cup of tea when things got overwhelming.

"There you are," Charlotte said, her voice wavering slightly as she crossed the room and pulled Mallory into a tight hug. "I was afraid you might sneak out without saying goodbye."

"I wouldn't dare," Mallory replied, returning the embrace. The manager smelled like cinnamon and fresh laundry. "You'd hunt me down."

"You know I would," Charlotte confirmed, patting Mallory's cheek affectionately. "The door's always open if you change your mind, dear."

Amy hurried over from behind the desk, her red curls bouncing. "I made you snacks for the road!" She thrust a paperbag into Mallory's hands. "Those chocolate chip cookies you liked so much, and some of those weird healthy granola things you pretend to enjoy."

Mallory laughed despite herself. "They're not weird, they're nutritious."

"Same difference," Amy insisted, pulling her into a hug. "Please don't go. Who's going to help me deal with cranky guests now?"

"You're perfectly capable," Mallory assured her. "Plus, you have Charlotte and Kieran."

Chase stepped forward awkwardly. "The inn won't be the same without you, Mrs. Striker." He still used her fake title, which made this even harder.

"Just Mallory," she corrected gently. "And thank you for everything, Chase. Keep an eye on that northern pipe for me."

When she finally turned to Kieran, Mallory found him watching her intently, his powerful frame radiating tension. His blue eyes burned into hers, and for a moment, she forgot everyone else was there.

"So," he said, his deep voice rumbling in his chest. "This is it."

Mallory swallowed hard. "This is it."

He stepped closer, his presence filling her space in that way only he could. "Thank you," he said, "for everything you've done here."

"Thank you," she countered, "for letting me be part of this place, even temporarily." Her voice caught on the last word. "I'll never forget my time at the Hearthstone... or with you."

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