“Hmm?”
“Do you remember our bargain?”
The question startled him. He turned his head to find her watching him, her hazel eyes dark and serious in the firelight.
“I remember.”
“A price to be named later, you said. For helping me find the sunvines.” She reached out and traced the line of his jaw with one finger. “You never named it.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Because he’d been afraid. Because naming a price meant admitting what he truly wanted, and admitting that meant risking everything.
But he was done with fear.
“I’m going to name it now,” he said.
CHAPTER 19
Jessa went very still. “What do you want?”
Tarek turned onto his side, facing her fully. He reached out and took her hand in his, feeling her pulse flutter against his palm.
“I want your heart.”
The words hung in the air between them, naked and undeniable. He watched emotions chase across her face, and then she smiled.
“You’re too late,” she said softly.
His own heart seized. “What?”
“You already have it.” She brought his hand to her chest, pressing it over the place where her heart beat steady and strong. “You’ve had it for longer than I want to admit. Since you held me through the storm, maybe. Since you carved Dani her first animal and let her follow you around asking questions. Since you looked at me like I was something precious instead of something useful.”
His breath caught. “Jessa?—”
“So if that’s your price, consider it paid.” Her smile grew, soft and brilliant. “You own me, Tarek. Every piece of me that matters.”
He kissed her.
It wasn’t gentle, this kiss. This was hunger finally unleashed, desperation finally given voice. He pulled her against him, mindful of her ankle but otherwise lost in the taste and feel of her.
She responded with equal fire. Her hands found his chest, his shoulders, the back of his neck. She pulled him closer, arching into him, making those soft sounds that drove his beast to near-madness.
“I need you,” she breathed against his mouth. “Please, Tarek. I need?—”
“Are you sure?” He forced himself to pause, to check. “Your ankle, your recovery?—”
“I’m sure.” Her eyes met his, dark with desire but utterly clear. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
He was careful, so careful. He drew her sleeping shift over her head with reverent hands, mapping every inch of newly revealed skin. She was beautiful in the firelight—all soft curves and warm shadows, her body a landscape he wanted to explore forever.
“You’re staring again,” she murmured.
“I’m worshipping.”
She laughed, breathless and bright, and pulled him down to her. He trailed kisses down her body, lingering over her breastsand stomach before settling between her thighs. Her scent was intoxicating—spicy and sweet, and purely Jessa. He parted her with gentle fingers and stroked her with his tongue.
