“Of course she does.” I braid my fingers into his, taking firm hold. “Anyone with decent taste likes me.”
Ryc laughs, a deep, soft sound. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me.”
I leave a soft, lingering kiss against his jaw. “May it be the only nice thing I say to you, nyraphim.”
He laughs again as I nip at him. “Indeed, demon,” he smiles.
These last few months have been filled with acclimation and change, that’s for certain. But this… this between us—it’s remained easy, known, comfortable. Despite everything else, we’ve begun building a world together. A world that’s safe and full of love and light.
The kind of world I’d fight the gods for.
Damn the council.
Damn Vaelyn.
Damn everything and anyone that would dare stand in the way ofthis.
Selfishly, and most certainly foolishly, I’ve grown obsessed and addicted. Ryc has become a cornerstone of my life here, and I don’twantto imagine it without him.
“Tomorrow afternoon,” Ryc says, his voice low. “Meet me in the north lawn. I have a bit of time between meetings and I’d like to see you.”
The heat of the water, having seeped into my very bones, pulls a tired, yet contented sigh from me. “Of course, my light,” I reply, unsurprised by the drowsy sound of my voice.
A quiet, amused chuckle rumbles in his chest.
“Rest, little death,” he encourages. His voice runs over my skin like pure molten gold, sending a slow shiver down my spine.
“Can’t,” I attempt to argue with a tiny, weak shake of my head. “The raven.”
I’ve left it upon the couch.
“It will be fine for one night,” he says and I rest my brow against his jaw. “You’ll see it tomorrow.”
My eyes close, becoming too heavy to open again. Sleep is always easier to find when he’s near. The feel and scent of him have become comfortable andsecure.
Unable to form words, I respond with a low, agreeing‘hmm’as sleep’s grip tightens.
“I’m going to enjoy spending eternity with you,” he whispers, shifting to place a kiss against my brow.
Yes, eternity.
Nothing less will do.
CHAPTER FIVE
The blazing sunspills through the windows onto my face, the warmth coaxing me awake. Bleary-eyed and still exhausted, I groan as I shift, seeking refuge from the blinding, sleep-disrupting light. I find myself tucked into bed, my hair damp.
I pause. Confused.
Last night’s events crawl back to me and I groan again.
I fell asleep in the tub. With Ryc.
Rubbing my brow, I roll, daring to open my eyes. As I pull my hand away, I discover it consumed by a black sleeve. The length of the sleeve is significantly longer than my arm, and it folds itself over my fingertips. The silver ivy embroidery along the cuff tells me everything I need to know.
Laughing, I sit up, pulling my other arm above the comforter.
Ryc has dressed me in one of his button-down shirts.
