Page 241 of Frost and Death
His voice wobbles as he explains, “But even when I was heartbroken with what happened, I knew whenheheld you hostage and when I was too far away to stop him. I knew when I held you as you were dying that my curse was broken, and it was broken because of you.”
My heart stops.
Jerrick caresses my skin softly as tears stream down our cheeks. “I am utterly and fiercely yours, Frostbite. My mind,body, heart, and soul are yours, my love. And I think a part of me knew when I first saw you, you were meant to be my queen—even beyond the marriage arrangement. My heart loves you. My soul loves you—Ilove you, Tove. Even when I am absolutely out of my mind with anger, hurt, and confusion, I willneverwant to leave you because I did find my happy again. I found it withyou.”
His words—his love.
My soul tethers itself to Jerrick, melded together again. Melded bylove.
A love I cannot help but fear some unknown force in the future will try to use to wedge us apart because of my own mistakes.
“But what if—”
Jerrick crashes his lips against mine.
I melt in his hold, opening for him as our kiss deepens. I tug him closer, and he, once again, obliges me.
This damned man.
I don’t deserve him, but I cannot deny how much I fucking love him. I clutch his tunic, his body heat warming my own cold hands.
Jerrick breaks our kiss, pulling my hands to his chest. He leans in, giving me a soft peck as if we both needed it. Jerrick’s tear-filled gaze pierces into my own.
“There is nowhat ifthis orwhat ifthat, Tove. I am here, my love, and I’ve always got you. I am not going anywhere. The Makers themselves will have to tear me to shreds before taking my soul away from yours.”
Tears stream down his cheeks as I weep silently. I move, my soul leaving my body and reaching for Jerrick. I pull him in and wrap my arms around his neck, keeping him close.
My tears are that of joy, happiness, and—love.
Love and admiration and devotion to this man.
My king, my husband—myJerrick.
I pause our kiss, uttering the words I’ve longed to tell him. “I love you.”
Jerrick’s smile brightens the entire room before he kisses me again.
The kiss shifts, deepening from joy into passion. The sweetness of his tongue works through mine, sending desire straight to my core.
I nibble lightly on his lip, hearing a rumble vibrate from him.
I sigh contentedly.
Even when our kissing slows enough for him to break away, his entire demeanor shifts into that of ease and comfort.
“I also think I may have solved your predicament,” he adds.
Confused, I ask, “What predicament?”
“Do you feel well enough for a little trip?”
I shrug, unsure. “I guess?”
He pats my upper thigh gently, standing and offering me his hand. “Come with me.”
I take his hand, the heat coming off him in waves, and he smirks. He scoops me into his arms, catching me off guard.
I can’t help the giggle escaping me. With my arms draped around his shoulders, he winks, and I lean in and kiss his cheek.
