A shiver rippled over my skin and it wasn't from the cold. I wish I didn't like it so much when he called me that.
Zakariel didn't move. He really was going to make me do all of the work, wasn't he?
I closed the space between us. My steps sounded loud in the silent passage. The warmth emanating from Zakariel's body sucked me in, promising to save me from the icy air. His eyes pierced mine; one shard of brilliant topaz, one of deep obsidian.
My heart began to race. My skin tingled with anticipation.
It was unlike anything I'd experienced in my life. I was frightened. I was thrilled.
When our faces were only inches apart, the scent of his breath made my stomach flip. Why did it smell so good?
Do this for Nautilus,I reminded myself.You're doing this for him. Not for yourself.
Right. This was a business transaction. Not for love or lust or anything like that. This was to bring Nautilus back. It had nothing to do with my feelings towards Zakariel or vice versa.
He was an inch away. Close. So close.
I closed my eyes.
Our lips met, and my heart lit on fire.
10
Zakariel
I was kissing Kamari.
We were really, actually kissing.
I'd kissed before. I knew how it worked. Except now it felt like I didn't. This felt like the first time. It was so real, so powerful. It shook me to my core. It shook me so badly I even forgot to close my damn eyes like some kind of creep.
My belly felt like it was full of thrashing eels. My heart was about to explode. I was surprised I couldn't hear the pounding of my ribs reverberating on the passage walls.
Kamari smelled incredible. Salty, masculine, rich. I wanted to devour him. But even this simple, small chaste kiss was exhilarating.
I wanted him all to myself.
What the hell is this feeling?
Since I forgot to close my eyes, I watched as Kamari opened his. They were dark, wet pools of shadow, like the deepest part of the abyss. My heartbeat leapt to my throat.
Kamari didn't pull away immediately. He lingered, our lips pressed together, for a moment that would never last long enough.
I was the one who broke it off. I panicked and drew back, gasping for air. My skin burned and my cheeks were hot. Something freakish was happening to me.
You'll know when it happens.
I sharply sucked in a breath. Why did that phrase pop into my head? That annoying fucking thing that everyone always said about finding your fated mate?
Neither of us had spoken. We stood there, staring at each other without blinking, like time itself had stopped.
My voice came out as a weak croak. "I--"
A sudden rumbling noise made us both jump. I watched, jaw agape, as the wall behind us moved.
"What the...?" I asked.
Kamari said nothing. He looked similarly confused.
