My eyes meet hers. “Are you alright?”
With a dazed expression, Everly lets out a soft hum, swaying slightly. I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine as I pull her into my chest. I stay planted inside her, not wanting to move.
“Is it always like this?” she murmurs, her fingers pressing into my chest.
“Like what?”
“Explosive.”
“With us, yes.”
Everly bites her bottom lip, her gaze turning wary. “What are we going to do?”
I know what she’s asking, but I play it off, arching my eyebrow. “I can think of a few things.”
Everly blushes, and once again, I am spellbound by the variation in color. My fingers lightly trace over her cheeks and thenslide into her soft golden hair that shines like the sun. Cupping her head behind her ears, I bring her face to mine and brush my lips lightly over hers before pressing harder. This kiss is gentle, deliberate, soul consuming. I know now with the way my heart is pounding fiercely against my chest, and the surge of devotion originating from a sacred place that has always been reserved for her, that she is my mate, my destiny, the other half of my soul.
The realization sends a surge of protectiveness and possessiveness through me, making my chest swell with love so strong I struggle to draw in a breath. In this moment, there is no room for doubts or uncertainties. Only the raw intensity of our connection, the unspoken language of desire that weaves between us.
We pull apart, her forehead resting on mine, her soft breath caressing my face.
“You know what I mean,” she whispers.
Running my nose up the column of her neck, I inhale the sweet smell of roses and springtime blossoms. “That’s tomorrow's problem.”
She nods, but I see the worry in her eyes.
Chapter twenty
Everly
Maxon stands, his arms cradling me as he carries me over to his bed.I find myself looking at him intently; the way his muscles rise to the surface of his skin, at the full curve of his lips. He is extremely handsome, unbelievably powerful, and he is holding me in his arms like I am precious to him.
With a heavy sigh, I rest my head against his chest. “I should really go back to my room. If someone sees us . . . ”
“No one will see us. You are safe here.”
Maxon places me on the bed and climbs in behind me, pulling the soft silk sheets up over us. I roll over and snuggle into his side, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he anchors me to his side, creating a sense of intimacy and protection. I relax, drawing his strength and warmth as I listen to his strong, steady heartbeat under my ear. A wave of familiarity washes over me, and I can’t help but feel like I have finally found where I truly belong.
“Maxon?”
“Yes.”
The words I love you are on the tip of my tongue. But that’s crazy. I have only known him for a week. How can I possibly be in love with him? Will he think I’m crazy? I don't want to scare him off, but the way he looks at me makes me think he feels the same way, too. Although, I’m too afraid to ask.
For the first time since I can remember, I feel like I’d found home. Could that be because I am so desperate to find that place to call home? Really, I have no clue what home is. I never had one growing up.
“Nothing,” I reply, drawing lazy circles on his chest, following the patterns of his tattoos. The tattoos on his face seamlessly continue down his neck, with the vines gracefully curving around his chest and waist.
As Maxon's hand glides up and down my arm, my eyelids grow heavy, and I fight to keep them open. Eventually, I surrender to sleep, embraced by a comforting feeling of contentment and security.
The next morning, I awaken to the gentle streaming of light through the curtains and the soft caress of a breeze causing the sheer fabric to dance.I sink my back into Maxon's warm chest, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.I am sore. Deliciously sore. A good sore. I’ve never experienced sex like that before, andI think that was the first time I’ve actually orgasmed during sex. Which sounds absolutely crazy.
Maxon’s muscular arm is wrapped under my breasts, keeping me close as if worried I’d disappear during the night. I can feel his gentle breath tickling the strands of hair beside my ear. His erection is pressed against my ass, and I can’t help but wriggle a little. Maxon’s hips instinctively thrust, his cock wedging between my ass cheeks, and he lets out a low groan as his arm tightens around me, pulling me flush against him.There is a pulsating ache in my core as my heart races. The anticipation fills every inch of my being. My fingers tremble slightly, betraying the rush of emotions coursing through me. With bated breath, I close my eyes, surrendering myself to the intoxicating desire that consumes me.
“Stóirín,” his deliciously deep voice rumbles against the shell of my ear, sending goosebumps rippling over me and making my nipples hard.
A soft noise escapes my lips as I draw in a sharp breath, my hips rocking back. His touch sends shivers dancing down my spine, awakening a hunger I never knew existed. Every nerve in my body pulses with an extreme need, a magnetic pull toward him.
