Page 24 of Branded in Love
Even as my bear lays dormant, I feel a relentless pull towards her. She makes every moment memorable. Being with Luciana is always easy, so much so, that I opened myself to her in that kitchen as I’ve never done before with anyone—not even Bella.
Shelikesme. She just admitted to it hours ago, and all I could do was tell her I’d get out of her life as soon as possible... My world is as screwed up as it gets. I don’t want her to get hurt.
Fuck. The last thing I want is to ruin this, and I think I have already. A low growl lingers in my chest. “Where’s that vodka?” I groan, heading back to the kitchen.
Without the staff and the usual guests, the house is silent and still. I meander in the twilight, sweeping up my hair and tying it in a quick bun. I unfasten the top buttons of my shirt.
Bottle in hand, I walk into the living room, careful not to make a sound. It’s around midnight, and Luciana is sleeping. At least one of us gets to have a good night’s rest.
I grab a log and start a fire. How did my life get so complicated? I was supposed to be here on a holiday. The first, after almost a decade of leading the Ursa Clan. Instead, I get in trouble with the Roman vampire coven…See, this is why I seldom travel.I gasp and open the bottle. Oh, I’ll make them pay.
“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” she says.
I jerk back in a flash, heart shocked into a wild gallop. She’s sitting on the couch in the darkness. There’s something in her hands… a tub of ice cream. She’s wearing that oversized t-shirt, hair pinned up in a messy updo. Gods, I didn’t pick up her presence. Natalya’s spells are that powerful.
“What are you doing here?” I blurt. My mouth goes dry in an instant.
“I couldn’t sleep,” we say in unison.
“You were in such a hurry to go to bed, I figured…” she mumbles, putting the lid on the tub.
“Luciana.” Subdued, I go to meet her. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Mm…” She puts away the tub of ice cream. Her eyes shimmer with sadness.
I sit beside her, fighting the impulse to pull her to me. However, I lean closer. “I did not mean to hurt you,” I say in a soft tone. “The truth is… I like you… a lot.” My hand cups the side of her face. Gently, I stroke her cheek with my thumb.
“Then, what’s the problem?” she whispers, wounded.
“Your world and mine,” I explain. “You’re in grave danger as it is. Being with me would only worsen matters for you. I have…” the words break, “so many enemies.” The air in my throat freezes, but I push through it. “I won’t risk your life like that.”
“Isn’t that my choice to make?” she breathes.
The warmth of tears gathers in my eyes. I look away and nod slowly.
She inches closer until we share the same breathing space. Her delicate hands smooth over my strong jawline and pull me to her. “Then let me,” she whispers, bringing her mouth close to mine. She kisses me, lingering, savoring every moment. The touch of her lips delivers a shock wave through my body. I return her kiss with the same sweetness, gradually becoming free of all my worries. Until there's only her and me, and the warmth of her, the maddening presence of her, enclosing me in the purest bliss.
My fingers glide through her blonde hair until the heavy locks cascade below her shoulders. The tenderness of her kiss soon dissolves and gives way to wild intensity. A low moan escapes me when her tongue teases my lips apart. “Luciana,” I speak against her sensual lips. As her kiss becomes more demanding, my hunger for her rises.
“Luciana…” I beg, forced to resist the torture of her lips.
“It’s all right,” she whispers, gliding over my lap, straddling me with her smooth thighs.
Gods, I want her. Desire burns through me in overpowering waves. It would be easy for me to ravish her right now, to have my way as I’ve wanted ever since I caught her scent. The bear in me roars, demanding, but I silence it fast. “We don’t have to do this now,” I purr in her ear, unable to stop myself from licking her earlobe and nipping it with my teeth.
With both hands pressed against my chest, she pulls back. Our gazes lock in a powerful stare. “A horde of vampires might kill me at any moment,” she says, eyes glistening with desire. “I’m not putting this off.”
Lust, fierce and violent, takes over me. I seize her waist and neck and pull her to me, harshly. I claim her mouth in a passionate kiss, delighted as her fingers glide over my shirt, unbuttoning it fast until the warm air hits my chest. Every certainty I’ve ever had fades away, replaced by the firm conviction that my sole purpose is to please her and grant her every whim.
On an impulse of passion, I raise her hips and lay her on the couch, where she lies panting, waiting for my next move. My gaze roves over her sensual figure, her beautiful blushing face, her full lips reddened by my kisses. Like an untamed beast, I stoop over her, smoothing my hands over her thighs. My heart pumps harder and faster. I'm ready to unveil her and discover her naked body for the first time. And as my hands reach the rim of her t-shirt, the doorbell rings.
17
LUCIANA
Agrowl rumbles in Gavriil’s throat. His fierce gaze angles to the hall, but I seize his jaw and pull him back to me, reclaiming his lips in a savage kiss. Every inch of me wants him. I won’t hold back another minute. And this man, this wonderful shape-shifting man who has unlocked me, body and soul, is suddenly distracted by the doorbell.
“Forget about that,” I beg, crushing my lips against his.
