Page 106 of Between Soul and Vessel
“No, not in this context,” he answered, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me into his warm, steely frame. “To be honest, it is something I wish too.”
My fingers bunched in the fabric of his black tunic. “What do you think she would be like?” I asked, lowering my cheek to his chest.
Rhythmically, he stroked my hair. “If she’s anything like you, then definitely stubborn.”
I jerked my head up, squinting at him.
He gave a playful grin. “I’m not finished.”
Still, I squinted.
He chuckled then continued, “She’d probably have that same irritating hero mentality as you, always wanting to save everyone.”
“Von,” I hissed.
His rich laughter was light, and I couldn’t help but soften further into his arms. I cursed my weak backbone, no better than a limp, overcooked noodle when it came to him.
“Alright, alright,” he said, his voice deep, pulled from the lowest part of his chest. “She’d be smart, so smart. Courageous and brave and kind. She’d stand for what’s right. Stand up for those who couldn’t. And she’d do it unapologetically. Just like you.”
I reached up, my fingers sounding against his stubble. “And what would she get from you?”
“I think that should be obvious,” he spoke seriously, despite the curve teasing the corner of his mouth. “My handsome good looks, of course.”
I rolled my eyes, chuckling as I said, “You are something else.”
“Indeed, Kitten, I am,” he purred confidently, his attention drifting to my lips. The way he looked at them, accompanied by the sensual cadence of his voice, had my thoughts spinning.
My lips parted, opening in invitation for him.
Knock. Knock.
Von growled at the door, “Go away.”
I shoved my hands over his mouth, whispering and giggling, “You are going to get us kicked out of here.” I threw my voice. “Who is it?”
Playfully, Von nipped at my fingers. I gave him a warning look.
“It’s me,” Kaleb’s muffled voice spoke from the other side.
I pulled away from Von, opened the door, and swiftly ushered Kaleb inside. I peeked out into the hallway, ensuring Kaleb wasn’t seen walking on his own, before I swiftly closed it.
Kaleb pulled the scarf from his face. “Can I talk to you?”
“Yes, of course,” I replied, concern drawing my eyebrows together. “What’s going on?”
Von sat on the windowsill, the breeze pulling his long, black hair to the side. Loosely, he threaded his heavily inked arms over his chest.
Kaleb plopped down on the bed, lying back on it. “Fallon and Ryker had sex,” he groaned as he stared up atthe ceiling.
I nearly fell over.
They what?
Swiftly, I hurried to the bed and sat beside him. I looked down at him, his arm tossed over his face. Gently, I clasped his arm and lifted it. “I’m sorry. Come again?”
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Knuckled rasped against the other side of the door, the sounds fast and hard. Whoever was on the other side sounded incredibly impatient.
