“If you regret last night, just say so.”
I laugh. The sound comes out harsh, almost bitter. “Regret it?”
“Then what’s your problem?” She stops a few feet away, close enough that I can see the frustration burning in those olive-toned eyes. “You gave me the best orgasm of my life and now you won’t even look at me. What am I supposed to think?”
“Imani...”
“Don’t ‘Imani’ me.” She jabs a finger at my chest. “I’m not some fragile little thing you need to protect from yourself. I’m a grown woman who knows what she wants. And right now, what I want is for you to stop acting like a coward and talk to me.”
My bear rumbles with approval. Our mate has fire.
“I’m not acting like a coward.” I set the ax down, giving her my full attention. “I’m trying to control myself.”
“Control yourself from what?”
“From you.”
She blinks. “From me?”
“If I touch you again, I won’t stop.” I hold her gaze, letting her see the hunger I’ve been fighting all morning. “Last night almost killed me. Having you in my arms, tasting you, feeling you come on my fingers.” I shake my head. “Iwanted more. I wanted everything. And if I take everything, Imani, I’m not giving it back.”
She’s quiet for a moment, processing.
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’m possessive. More than you know. More than is probably healthy.” I run a hand over my face, frustrated with myself, with this situation, with the mate bond that’s turning me into someone I barely recognize. “It means if I claim you the way I want to, you’re mine. Not just for tonight. Not just until the storm clears. Forever.”
I let that sink in.
“Forever,” she repeats slowly.
“Forever.”
I expect her to run. To tell me I’m crazy, that she didn’t sign up for this, that she needs space and time and a one-way ticket back to her quiet little life in town.
Instead, she takes a step closer.
“You think I’m scared of forever?”
“You should be.”
“Maybe.” Another step. “But I’m more scared of you pushing me away because you’re too afraid to let me in.”
My bear is howling now, desperate to close the distance, to pull her into our arms and never let go.
“Imani...”
“I’m not done.” She holds up a hand. “You’ve been carrying me around like a caveman, making me breakfast, giving me the best orgasm of my life, looking at me like I hung the moon. And now you’re standing out here in the freezing cold because you’re scared of wanting me too much?” She shakes her head. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Despite everything, I feel my lips twitch. “Dumbest?”
“Absolutely moronic. Top tier stupidity.” She’s fighting asmile now too. “You’re a seven-foot bear shifter who ripped my car door off with his bare hands, and you’re scared of your feelings?”
“I’m not scared of my feelings.”
“Then stop avoiding me.”
“I’m not...” I stop, because she’s right. I am avoiding her. And she doesn’t deserve that. “Fine. I’m avoiding you. But it’s for your own good.”
