Page 27 of Branded in Love
I can’t do it. I shouldn’t.
I claw at the mattress, looking away from her, burdened by shame.
“Gavriil?” Luciana’s voice is sweet as honey as she crawls to me, delicate fingers gliding through my hair.
Passion pounds through my blood still. Tainted with dread.
“What is it?” she presses in a low whisper.
“Forgive me,” I say between quick breaths.
She cradles my head and brings me to her, and I yield to her demand, subdued. “There is nothing to forgive,” she whispers, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
“The bear in me,” I manage, avoiding her earnest stare. “It wants you…” my voice breaks. “It’s wanted you for a while now.”
“I see nothing wrong with that,” she says, consoling my wretchedness.
My gaze cuts to hers. “You don’t understand,” I tell her. “If I claim you now, there’s no going back.”
Bemusement surfaces on her face. “Gavriil, I…” she whispers. Her delicate hand glides over my jawline as she tilts her head.
I love you,I want to tell her.I love you with such violence that it frightens me.Instead, I crush her to me, capturing her mouth with mine. Then I hold her in my arms, tightly. My stare shoots skywards as tears rim my eyes. Gods, my feelings for her are stronger than I ever imagined. I was only able to stop myself now because of Natalya’s spell. Had Luciana’s scent not been veiled by magic, tonight might’ve gone horribly wrong.
20
LUCIANA
Itake one deep breath as I wake the next morning. Instantly, I pick up Gavriil’s fragrance, permeating my skin. When my eyes open, I find him lying next to me, glistening in the morning light as it spills over his taut and muscular body.
Being with him was the closest thing to magic I have ever experienced. A thrill rushes through me as I remember how he shed from his usual dispassionate nature and transformed into the most fierce and giving lover. Suddenly, I crave him again. I snuggle against his chest, waiting for him to wake up. I’m reminded of that last thing he said.If I claim you, there’s no going back.What is that supposed to mean?
His firm hand glides to my waist, long fingers lingering on my hips, pulling me to him. I turn and meet his dark brown eyes, delighted by the subtle smile that tugs the corner of his lips. “Good morning,” he purrs, watching me with lazy longing.
God, it’s like a dream, waking up to this gorgeous man.“Buongiorno, bello…”Good morning, handsome,I mumble, pressing my lips against his shoulder. Is he blushing? He is.
A dimple pierces his cheek as he grins. He seizes my hips and rolls me on top of him until we share breath. I sense him ready for another round of passion, and I long for it too. But my mind whirls with the incessant question, and I need an answer.
“You and I have to talk,” I tell him. Immediately, I bite my lower lip, regretting the words a little.
The light in Gavriil’s countenance slowly fades. “Oh…?”
“Yeah,” I whisper, half in anticipation, half in dread. “About last night. You said…”
His phone rings. Gavriil swings his head to the night table. He stares at the screen and reads the word SASHA. “I should… get that,” he mumbles.
I nod, reluctantly.
He grabs the phone and glides to the edge of the bed. “Yeah...” he groans. “When?” He sits on the bed fast. “Get everyone here. NOW.” He hangs up, then grabs his boxer shorts from the floor and slips them on. Still sitting on the bed, Gavriil sighs, rubbing a hand across his brow.
A tense silence spreads in the room. And I break it. “What’s wrong?” I say, sitting on the bed. I crush the sheets against my bare chest, fearful of the answer.
He looks over his bare shoulder, pursing his lips. After a moment, he turns to me and cups the side of my face, concern twisting his expression. “Luciana,” he whispers, dark maroon eyes locked on mine. “I need you to be strong.”
I gasp, realizing a shiver of panic. “Tell me,” I breathe.
“They have him,” he says all too quickly. “Your friend, Marco. The coven has him.”
Sheer dread washes over me. I can’t breathe. I can’t speak. Gavriil holds me in a firm embrace. Tears blur my vision. I don’t even know what to say. Quiet sobs escape my lips, and he presses me to him.
