Rexton closes the distance between us, moving slowly as if I were a wild animal at risk of running. Or biting. If I’m honest with myself, both are a very realistic possibility.
I force myself to remain still as he enters my personal space.
His body heat is warm, and I’m unsure if I’m still angry. The remnants are there, but Rexton seems genuine in his shock. Maybe he wasn’t going to cheat on me. I did some light research into the woman after catching her and Wren, and she worked with finances. She was relatively junior in her role at the time, but that was several years ago.
I suppose it’s possible she reached a higher position, one that would require her to meet with Rexton. That would mean she’s good at her job, and intelligent. I hate to think that she could be either of those things.
Rexton’s fingers graze against the back of my hand, and the office around us vanishes. He brings us to my apartment. I assume it’s for privacy.
He walks backward and sits on my couch, pulling me onto his lap. I remain stiff as he angles his mouth against mine. The kiss is slow, cautious, even. I like it more than I’d care to admit, and it doesn’t take me long to relax into his lap.
Rexton’s lips curl as it happens. He probably thinks of himself as the Cassia whisperer, but this is entirely my choice.
“You are so much more than your title, Cassia,” he whispers, his hands trailing up my back. “I don’t care that you’re the futureQueen of Wrath, nor do I care about the title our bond gives me. That’s not what I see when I look at you.”
My heart flutters. “What do you see, then?” I ask. I want his compliments.
Rexton’s smile grows. “I see an intelligent woman. I see a woman who tackles problems head-on and isn’t afraid of hard work. You’re strong. Resilient. Passionate.” He chuckles. “Would you like me to list all the adjectives?”
“Yes.”
Rexton raises a brow, but he humors me. “You’re adventurous, authentic, beautiful, creative, intuitive…” He trails off before continuing. “You’re not very kind, but I can work with that.”
Despite myself, I laugh.
Rexton slips his thumbs underneath my shirt, rubbing against my lower back. “I don’t think you’re a perfect person, Cassia, and I don’t think you’re without faults. You have them, but they don’t diminish your worth. They’re a part of you, just like mine are a part of me.”
I scoff. “You don’t have faults.”
“I do, and you’ll come to learn them.”
“Tell me what they are.”
Rexton hums. “I tend to lose track of time, and I’ve been told I have a poor sense of direction.”
“No.” I shake my head. “Tell me the real ones.”
There’s a long pause as Rexton thinks. Maybe asking him to tell me his faults is considered impolite, but I want to hear them. Rexton’s sure gotten up close and personal with mine.
“You’ll find I have issues with attachment,” Rexton quietly admits. “I’ve never been in a long-term relationship. The thought of letting somebody in has always made me uncomfortable. I’m trying to be open with you, but I’ll admit it’s hard.”
I suppose I knew that. I’ve learned all about Rexton’s past relationships, and none have been long-term. He’s slept around a fair bit, but that’s about it. Princess Amelia would’ve been his longest relationship, and it was fake. I suppose some would still consider them married, but I don’t recognize it. Most within Wrath don’t.
“Are you going to run away from me?” I ask.
Rexton shakes his head. “It’s not to that extent, but I can’t guarantee there won’t be times when I feel overwhelmed and pull away.”
“I can handle that.” I’ll chase him down and drag him back. He won’t be gone for long.
Rexton grimaces. “You’ll also find that I don’t do well with rejection. I like to feel wanted, and my thoughts spiral when I’m turned down. I tend to isolate myself.”
Shame trickles down our bond. It’s Rexton’s.
I lean closer, nudging my face into the crook of his neck. I’ve done a lot of biting these past few days. I should probably give him time to heal. Rexton angles his head back, though, giving me access to his throat.
“Do you want me to bite you?” I ask.
He grunts. “Yes.”
