Page 119 of Silver Claws, Crimson Tears
I struggle against his grip, but all I accomplish is feeling the length of his body rub against mine. His hardness grows against my abdomen, and I freeze, suddenly aware of every inch where we touch.
Vaylen’s breathing becomes ragged. “Stop wiggling so much, Rhealyn, unless...”
“Unless what?” I demand, my voice barely more than a whisper.
His knee drives between my legs, spreading them apart as he settles his weight more firmly against me. The hard length of him presses against my core, sending a bolt of heat straight through me.
“Is this answer enough?” His voice drops low, husky. “You’ve always had that effect on me.”
Our eyes lock, and I can’t look away. The anger in his gaze has transformed into something darker, hungrier. My body responds traitorously, heart hammering against my ribs. I hate how much I want him.
Vaylen lowers his mouth toward mine, his lips parting slightly. At the last moment, I turn my face to the side, denying him the kiss my body craves.
He sighs, frustration vibrating through him. “You’re impossible.”
“I never claimed to be easy,” I shoot back, though my voice lacks its usual edge.
The weight of him, the heat between us… it’s maddening. Part of me wants to wrap my legs around his waist and pull him closer. Another part wants to knee him in the groin and run.
Instead, I lie perfectly still, afraid that any movement will betray how much I want him. How much I miss him. How much I fear that I may hurt him again.
“Why don’t you trust me?” Vaylen’s voice cracks, his grip on my wrists loosening. “What else do I need to do? I searched for you for months. I refused to believe you were dead when everyone else gave up.”
His weight shifts slightly, but he doesn’t move off me. His eyes—Goddess, those beautiful blue eyes—hold such raw frustration that I have to close my eyes.
“I can’t—“ I begin.
“I’ll do anything you ask of me?—“
“Then leave me alone,” I snap, meeting his gaze again.
“Except that.” His jaw tightens. “I won’t leave you to deal with whatever is happening all by yourself. I love you too much for that.”
His matter-of-fact tone steals my breath away. Love. Such a simple word for such a complicated thing. It’s this love that will tear him apart if it turns out I betrayed him willingly.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I whisper, my throat tight. “What if when my memories return I discover I’m not the same person.”
“I don’t care.”
As if unable to help himself, Vaylen leans down and presses his lips to my jaw. My breath catches as he trails kisses down my neck, each touch burning like a brand.
“I’m utterly yours, Rhealyn,” he murmurs against my skin. “I have no will of my own. I tried but I can’t stay away from you.”
My body arches involuntarily, seeking more contact. Wind whips around us, stirred by my emotions. I could push him away with my power—I should—but instead my hands, now free, slide into his hair, holding him closer.
“I’m afraid,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I’m afraid I’ll hurt you again. Break your heart when everything comes back to me.”
Vaylen’s thumb traces my cheekbone, his touch gentle despite the fire between us. “It’s possible,” he admits, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’ve broken my heart more than once already.”
The words sting, but his voice holds no accusation.
“But you’ve also put it back together,” he continues. “Every time. Sometimes better than it was before.”
My chest tightens, breath coming shallow. “How can you still want this? Want me?”
“I’m yours,” he says simply. “Yours to be remade into whatever you need.”
I shake my head, pushing against his chest. “That’s not fair. You shouldn’t give yourself so utterly to anyone. Especially not me.”
