And inside my chest, something split open.
A slow, delicious detonation.
I swore I could feel his heartbeat pounding into mine, drumming a rhythm that only the broken or bewitched could hear.
My knees trembled.
My thighs clenched.
The heat between my legs pulsed into a drumbeat made of need.
The earlier explosion outside now meant nothing because the real one had just gone offinsideme.
I kissed him back with everything I had—my panic, my longing, my surrender. And in that moment, Iunderstood. This moment wasn’t about choosing to go with him.
It was about choosing not to live without him.
And I had chosen to stay.
Therefore, whatever battle he was about to fight, I wouldn’t be watching from a safe distance.
I would be the fire at his side.
I would be the flame thatfedhis war.
Chapter four
Totoro
Nyomi
I held my present while Kenji carried me up the stairs—one powerful arm beneath my knees, the other curled tight around my back. His grip radiated both protection and possession.
I was sacred in his arms.
Untouchable.
Too rare for gravity.
Too exquisite for violence.
I let my head rest briefly against his shoulder. And honestly, I was grateful. My pussy was sore from earlier, and those ridiculous heels—while stunning—were absolutely not made for climbing stairs.
And behind us?
His Eyes followed.
Silent.
Watchful.
Deadly.
Scanning every corner and shadow.
Behind them, more armed men stalked forward. Each one dressed in black and strapped with rifles and blades.
A full death squad.
