Page 58 of Wings of Shadow
She leans into my touch, mouth curving into a soft smirk. “I’d do anything for you, Kaisner.”
My chest tightens at the devotion in her tone, the depth of emotion reflected in her eyes.
“I know, baby,” I murmur, brushing my lips against her forehead. “And that’s why I have to be careful with you. That’s why we take this slow.” I tilt her chin up, holding her gaze. “But never doubt this—I want you. Body. Heart. Soul.”
And gods help anyone who tries to take you from me, I add inwardly.
I lead her out of the chamber, into the thrumming chaos of the nightclub. The shift is jarring—the flashing lights, the pounding bass, the sea of bodies moving in rhythm. After the intimacy of our private moment, it seems almost obscene.
Clarissa blinks, momentarily dazed as she readjusts. I keep my hand at the small of her back, a touch as much about possession as it is protection. My gaze sweeps the crowd, instinctively searching for threats.
“Your friends,” I murmur, nodding toward the group. “They’re looking for you.”
A flicker of guilt crosses her face. “I should probably go back to them,” she admits, though there’s no conviction in her voice.
Every fiber of me protests. I want her by my side—not just tonight, but for longer, for something I can’t name. But I know I can’t cage her. If this is going to work, I have to let her choose me.
“You’re right,” I say, the words splinters on my tongue. “They’ll be worried.”
She looks up at me, surprise flickering in her eyes. I didn’t demand she stay, and the choice I’m offering her is clearly unexpected. It solidifies my resolve. I want to be the man she deserves.
“I’ll call you,” I promise. “We have much to discuss. And, Clarissa…” I hesitate. “I need to see you again. Soon.”
A soft smile curves her lips. “I’d like that.”
I lean in, capturing her mouth in one last kiss—slower, deliberate, a promise. It lacks the fire of our earlier passion, but not the intensity. This kiss is a vow, a silent oath, filled with everything I’m not yet ready to say.
When I pull back, I see the same emotions reflected in her eyes. And before I can stop myself, the words slip free—words I hadn’t planned, words that betray me: “In this world of shadows and secrets, you’re my only light.”
Clarissa stills, breath hitching.
“Go,” I say softly, before I change my mind. “Be safe, Liebes. And remember—you’re mine now. No matter what happens out there, no matter who you’re with, you belong to me.”
A shiver runs through her. When she speaks, her voice is quiet but unshakable. “And you’re mine.” The fierceness of her conviction is enough to shoot wildfire through my veins.
She lingers a moment longer, then turns and slips into the crowd.
I don’t move. I don’t look away. Not until she’s gone.
27
CLARISSA
My heart still races as I make my way back to the main area of the club, my skin tingling with the ghost of Kaisner’s touch. The encounter in the office left me reeling, my mind spinning with questions and emotions I can barely untangle.
The pulsing beat of the music thrums through me as I step onto the dance floor, the flashing lights casting eerie shadows over the writhing bodies. My gaze sweeps over the crowd until it lands on Sam and Alexei near the bar. Sam’s worried expression eases when she sees me, but Alexei’s posture is taut, his easy confidence sharpened to a keen edge.
Sam closes the distance in a flash, her voice cutting through the music. “Where the hell were you?” Her relief is edged with irritation.
Heat creeps up my neck. “I just needed some air,” I say, the lie thin and weightless. “It was getting a bit stuffy.”
Sam arches a skeptical brow. “Uh-huh. And that ’air’ wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain tall, dark, and dangerous man you disappeared with, would it?”
Before I can answer, Alexei steps in with a smirk and two drinks in hand. “Clarissa! There you are,” he says, his grin rakish. “We were starting to think you’d ditched us for better company.”
If only he knew how close he was to the truth.
I take the drink, grateful for the brief distraction. “Never,” I say, forcing a bright smile as Sam and Alexei exchange a glance.
