CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
SHEENA
After a much needed shower, I find Gideon in the gym, running on the treadmill like the devil is at his heels. He sees me walk in, but he makes no move to slow down or acknowledge I'm there. I clear my throat. Nothing. Gathering my courage, I decide to dive in even though he’s ignoring me.
“I know you're upset with me, but I have some things I'd like to say if that's okay with you.”
A grunt is all I get in response, but at least he's not yelling at me to get out.
“First of all, I'm sorry I ran. I've kept my abilities hidden since I escaped. Having them spill out when I was already freaking out—well, it was too much for me. It was easier to run than stay and put myself at risk.” He's listening, but he doesn't break stride, his powerful legs pumping at a pace that would be an all-out sprint if I attempted it.
“When Ciprian mentioned that we might be mates, I panicked. I was mad you kept it from me, then I was terrified that a connection to me would corrupt you or get us killed. Beinghere with you felt like the universe was finally cutting me some slack. I was afraid the mate bond would change that.”
He slams his hand down on the treadmill’s emergency stop button with a violent smack. The belt comes to a whirring halt. He’s still dead silent, so I press on.
“I'm also sorry that my powers stole your free will. It might have been your wish, but you didn’t know that would happen; and I’m sure those aren't the words you’d have chosen to say to me without magic interfering. I would do it differently if I could.”
Gideon steps off the machine. I can feel him towering over me, his eyes burning holes in my skin. I don't look up for fear of what I'll see. I can't stop until I'm done.
“When you made the wish, I hated your words because they weren't you. They were some mystical bullshit—the easy way out. I wanted to hear fromyou,” I say, finally daring to look up at him.
His handsome face is still serious, no dimples in sight, but the anger is finally gone. He cups my chin with one gigantic hand, and I hold my breath.
“You’re going to stay?” Gideon asks.
I think about it, then I nod.
“If you want me to, I will.”
He steps closer, crowding me in a way that makes me feel safe.
“You want to hear my real words, baby?” As soon as I nod, he continues on in a low rumble. “You're mine. I'm yours. No more secrets. We'll figure everything else out later.”
His speech is simple but perfect, and he leaves absolutely no room for misunderstanding. When I agree with him, he lifts me until we're at eye level, pressing his forehead to mine. Our hearts are as close together as they can possibly get, and within seconds, they beat in sync.
I don't feel even a hint of fear as Gideon carries me up the stairs.
GIDEON
How fastcan I climb these stairs and get this woman into bed?
We pass Callum as I carry Sheena up to my room. He’s smirking at us like he just won the lottery. The smug fucker is about to get a delicious, secondhand power rush, and he knows it.
Once I get her to my room, I kick the door closed. With the way it rattles the entire wall, I might have used a little too much force, but I give absolutely zero fucks.
“Are you in some kind of hurry?” Sheena teases, her green eyes sparkling. I can smell how excited she is, and I’m desperate to show her just how compatible we really are.
“Damn right I’m in a hurry. We just had our first fight, baby. I’ve got to show you how sorry I am by making you come all over my face.” I nip at her neck, reveling in her little gasp of shock.
“Gideon, you don't have to . . . do that.”
She sounds nervous, and I can’t help teasing her. I lift my mouth away from the soft skin of her throat and pretend to be confused. “Do what? You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Gideon, please.”
“Yes, now we’re on the right track.” I grin. “Gideon, please... what? Drown in your pussy? Gladly. Spend the rest of the day finding all the spots that make you scream? Sign me up.” I nuzzle the tip of my nose against hers. “Is that what you meant, Sheena?”
