Page 104 of Keeper

Everly flinches. “Sometimes people do things because they’re desperate.”

“I know that, b—”

“—please don’t kill her, Cenric. Send her to one of thoseislands where you send prisoners of war, but please don’t kill her.”

Every inch of me wants to do the exact opposite of what Everly asks. Spies deserve to die.

“Cenric.” Everly steps closer and places her hand against my arm. “There is goodness in you. Mercy. I believe Ava deserves that mercy.”

I draw in a quick breath and nod, conceding to Everly.

She smiles, and it does something to me. It tears down the walls I've constructed over the summers—walls fortified with bricks of resolve and mortar of pain.

Maybe I don’t need that damn wall anymore. Maybe all I need is her.

Everly moves to the washing stand and unties the laces of her surcoat. The blue fabric falls away, revealing the thin chemise beneath.

I clench my jaw, but I can’t pull my gaze from this vision of perfection standing before me.

She reaches for her nightdress, yanking it over her head. The linen settles around her form, and I follow the movement with my eyes.

Her words from earlier echo in my mind.“I love you.”

Three words, yet they burrowed under my skin. I’ve known, on some level, how she felt. But hearing her say it aloud...

Something shifted inside me, like ice cracking under the sun. Fortifications I’ve built over summers crumbled, and I allowed myself to feel. To want. To imagine a future beyond duty and war.

Everly turns, her blue eyes meeting mine. My fingersitch to touch her, to bring her close. But I hold back, knowing there’s no need to rush this moment.

Instead, I stand and remove my leather weapon belt, draping it over the back of the chair beside me. Next comes my surcoat.

As I turn back around, clad only in a pair of pants, I catch Everly’s stare. Boldly, she allows her eyes to trace over my body.

Her cheeks flush that charming shade of pink I’ve come to admire as I cross the space between us. Her gaze smolders, searing me with the heat of her desire. I reach out, my fingers grazing her cheek, and her lips part on a shaky exhale.

Unable to resist any longer, I bring her into my arms. Her body molds to mine—soft curves fitting perfectly against hard planes. I breathe her in, loving that mixture of lavender and lemon balm.

Boldly, her hands slide up my bare chest as I tilt her face up to mine, our noses brushing. Her eyes flutter closed as I lower my head and press my mouth against hers.

My heart pounds, blood rushing in my ears as Everly moves even closer. I feel it all. The fullness of her breasts. The softness of her stomach.

I break our kiss and scoop her into my arms. She gasps, hands flying to my shoulders as I carry her to the bed and lay her in the center.

I don’t waste a moment joining her. Her breath hitches as I lean over and slide my hands up her thighs, pushing the fabric of her nightdress up with them. Goosebumps form on her skin as her breaths come in quick, shallow gasps.

I pause, looking down at her. Her eyes are closed, her lips slightly parted. She’s completely at my mercy. And I love it!

Gently, I pull her thighs apart, opening her up to me. She doesn’t resist. Doesn’t stop me.

She rests her hands against my arms, holding onto me, as if she fears I might try to leave.

There’s no way I’ll leave.

She’s mine, and I plan to show her how much I cherish her.

Her eyes widen as I reach the apex of her legs, my fingers grazing the damp fabric of her undergarments.

“Cenric,” she whispers.

---