Page 87 of Shiver

It isn’t my story to tell.

As much as it annoys me to not know the full story, especially because I’m now really starting to believe I have it all wrong, I respect him for not telling me.

And as for the cuddling situation, I have little fight left in me when it comes to him. It’s been so long since I’ve trusted someone just to hold me, let alone get any comfort from doing so.

It feelsniceto be held. So, just for tonight, I allow myself this seemingly simple pleasure as I melt against his hard chest and nestle my face in closer to him. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the intoxicating scent of citrus, leather, and amber.

Luca rolls onto his back, dragging me on top of him as he keeps one arm secured around my waist.

I feel him reach over for the lamp, and a moment later, the room is filled with a calm darkness. His calloused fingers rake over the skin of my lower back, pressing soothing circles just above the waistband of my sleep shorts.

He cups my jaw, gently angling my face toward his, and still, I make no move to pull away.

His warm breath and sweet words are like a caress over my lips. “Thank you, princess.”

“What for?” I ask, confused.

“For this.For not pushing me to tell you more, even though I know the wheels are turning and you really want answers.” My heart cracks open wide, the contents spilling free. “For just being here, holding me and letting me hold you,” he whispers, his voice sounding broken. Luca presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before moving his hand from my jaw to wrap it around my ribs.

I close my eyes, unable to formulate a response, and allow my actions to speak louder than words ever could.

It doesn’t take long before I’m drifting off to sleep.

Chapter sixty-eight

Luca

Monday, August 31, 2026

Soft moans are the first thing I notice as I start to wake up. My name, spoken in a desperate cry, is the next.

I open my eyes, adjusting to the lack of light, and goddamn do I wish I had good lighting right now.

Samara is still on top of me, similar to how she had been when we fell asleep last night, but now, her hands are gripping the sheets beside my waist as she rolls her hips against my thigh, seeking the friction she’s apparently desperate for.

My dick is already rock hard, pulsing with need for her.

I run my fingertips up her arm, trying to get her attention, but the more I take her in, the more I realizeshe isn’t awake.

Fucking hell.What are the rules of consent for something like this? Do I wake her up? Do I let her ride it out… literally?

I shake my head, clearing my thoughts and the cobwebs still residing from the last few hours of sleep.

“Samara,” I say, trying to speak clearly despite the arousal sinking into my bones. She continues with her soft cries, completely unaware.

Bringing my hand to the base of her neck, I tug on the roots of her thick hair. “Samara, wake up.”

Her body loosens, the noises stop, and finally, her eyelids burst open, frantically meeting my eyes. “Hey there, princess, don’t let me stop you,” I tell her, trying to break the tension.

Her bottom lip juts out before she drags it through her teeth. Her dark brows pinch together.

We stare at each other for an agonizingly long moment before she says, “Please.”

The word comes out like a puff of air. Her voice filled with need.

“Please?” I question.

“I’m…” She casts her eyes away from me, refusing to meet my gaze. “God, I’m so fucking horny.”

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