"Because I want you."He turned to face her, his gaze intense."Right now.Last night too.I lay awake while you slept, replaying what happened on the sofa yesterday morning."His eyes gleamed brighter silver."Growing up, I watched my parents—how they'd move mountains for each other without question.I never understood that kind of devotion until now."His voice dropped lower."Being with you...it changes everything."
Ancelin blinked back tears that came anyway.
"You've changed everything for me too," she whispered, bringing his hand to her lips."I didn't know it could be like this with someone.Like we're connected beyond just bodies."She met his eyes."I'm sorry about last night.The things I said—I never meant to hurt you.And I feel ashamed for slapping you.I’m so sorry.That was out of character for me."
Krevan caught a tear with his fingertip and touched it to his lips.His hand came to rest against her cheek.“I know."he murmured.
“Let’s go eat breakfast.I know you’re hungry,” Ancelin announced.“After we get our vehicle, we can go to the waterfall and make up, like you have in mind.”Ancelin ran her hand up and down his muscular thigh, emphasizing her promise.Krevan gripped the steering wheel hard.Ancelin noticed a tick in his jaw muscle.Within seconds, they pulled out of the garage and were on their way to Coti.They rode in silence until they reached the town.
“Stay with me and let’s go eat.Do you have the invitation for Katie Krammer?She’s a friendly young female and will be nice to you.”Krevan came around to her side of the vehicle and helped her out.
As Ancelin emerged, Krevan moved close behind her, the firmness of his body impossible to misinterpret."The feel of you," he murmured against her hair."I've been thinking about our arrangement all day."
Warmth bloomed across Ancelin's cheeks as her eyes, bright with anticipation, met his.
"I intend to be very...thorough," he added with a look that sent electricity coursing through her.The fabric of his fitted trousers left little to imagination.
Something tangible seemed to pulse between them—this connection that strengthened with each passing day."Krevan," she whispered, her attention momentarily drawn downward.
"What?I'm proud of how you affect me."He guided her hand to him, then kissed her forehead when color bloomed across her cheeks."Don't be shy," he said, taking her hand and leading her toward the store.
Ancelin decided propriety meant little in lawless Verrian and brushed against him deliberately.The thrill of his attention—this dangerous, captivating man wanting her—was intoxicating."I hope there are no children inside," she laughed softly."You're hardly appropriate for public.You’re X-rate."
"What does that mean?"
"Never mind.Let's eat," Ancelin said, pushing open the door to the general store.
A crowd of men hunched over the counter inside, their conversations dropping to murmurs as Ancelin and Krevan entered.The rich aroma of sizzling meat and fresh coffee filled the air, making Ancelin's stomach rumble audibly.She felt the weight of their stares and instinctively moved closer to Krevan, who guided her to the far end of the counter.
"Vallex!Good to see you both," Krammer called out, wiping his hands on his apron."Got your vehicle sorted and those tires fixed up.Hungry?"
"Starving," Krevan replied, his smile bright against the dim interior."Coffee for me, and whatever my mate desires."
Krammer leaned in, lowering his voice."Katie's got your things from last night.Better she waits till that lot clears out though.Troublemakers, the bunch of them."
Ancelin raised an eyebrow at Krevan."Things?"
He merely shrugged, accepting the steaming mug Krammer slid across the counter.
"Mrs.Vallex, coffee?What'll you have with it?"Krammer asked.
"Coffee, yes.Two eggs and—" she inhaled deeply, "—is that ham?"
"Tartis steak.Similar smell, better taste,” Krammer informed her.
"I'll take that then.Those eggs from our place?"
"Sure are.Best in Verrian."Krammer's eyes crinkled with genuine warmth."I'll fetch Katie once those fellows move along, and don't worry, Vallex—I'll make yours a double portion."
The counter went dead silent.Every pair of eyes locked onto them like targeting systems.Ancelin's skin crawled under the collective gaze—most faces familiar, but three strangers' eyes burned into her with naked hunger.
One of them—tall, with a jagged scar splitting his left eyebrow—slammed his mug down and stalked over.His shadow fell across their backs before he leaned in, close enough that his rancid breath hit Ancelin's neck."Hey, buddy, I'm Gus.That's the finest piece I've seen in this shithole.Your sister or your bitch?"The air in the room crystallized.
Krevan's hand tightened around his mug until his knuckles blanched white.He took a deliberate sip, then set it down with unnatural precision."She's my mate, my wife.Walk away now, while you still can."His voice dropped to a register that made Ancelin's stomach clench.He didn't even turn his head.
Gus's laughter erupted like gunfire."Or fucking what?"He planted his feet wider, looming closer.
Krammer's hand trembled as he topped off Krevan's coffee."Vallex," he whispered urgently, "this psychopath's Gus Nestar.Pulled a knife on Derrick when he caught him cornering his pregnant wife.Threatened to gut him right here on my floor."
