Only now.
The first roll of his hips dragged out her whimper. The sound seemed to snap something inside of him and Klyde picked up the pace in a measured, powerful rhythm. Lucenna pulsed at the sudden fire building inside of her. He pulled her hips up, burying himself so deep, pleasure rolled through her in waves. A low sound rasped from Klyde’s throat as he rocked into her, extracting her every panting gasp and convulsing moan. Each swell was more intense than the last until she cried out and her entire body arched.
Lucenna sagged into the bed, and he sank down beside her, breathing hard. She quivered with soft ripples of pleasure.
Klyde brushed the silver locks from her eyes. “I take it that smile means I did indeed exceed expectations?”
Smirking lazily, Lucenna said, “That depends, Captain. Are you already conceding?”
Rolling over, he hooked her leg over his thigh, and she found he was nowhere near finished. “Moonlit-lass, I wouldn’t dream of it.”
***
Lucenna lay nestled into Klyde’s side, as if the cradle of his arms were meant for her. His presence was a warm sensation she wanted to wrap herself in and never leave. It would be easy to fall asleep like this, listening to his chest rise and fall with even breaths as he slept. She breathed in his familiar scent of leather and sea salt, and something primal she couldn’t get enough of.
Slowly, she traced his scars and the curves of his abdomen, memorizing the feel of his skin. The Gods took their time making him. He was the most beautiful sight she’d ever laid eyes on.
She was going to miss him.
It was still dark outside, but she sensed it was early morning. The low candlelight glinted over the pink diamond on her finger. The ring no longer belonged there.
Perhaps it never did.
Lucenna took hold of the band and began to slide it off, but a warm hand fell over hers.
“Keep it on…” Klyde murmured sleepily, and his blue eyes met hers through his lashes. “At least until I can replace it with my own.”
She stared at him, her chest catching with a breath. “What did you say?”
Seeming to realize what came out of his mouth, he sat up. “I suppose something foolish by how terrified you look right now.”
Swallowing, Lucenna struggled to sort her thoughts and looked away.
“Oi.” Klyde turned her chin, making her look at him. “I am merely in a blissful mood and said something I shouldn’t. Don’t think anything of it.”
“But you meant it.”
He sighed and rested his arms on his crossed legs. “Are you so worried that I want a life with you? Or is it because I am not a mage?”
Her heart shook. “I am worried you would die because of it.”
A somberness crossed his face. Her future was uncertain, but it most certainly held a war to come and a life constantly on the run. Elite Enforcers were always on her tail, and so was her father.
Lucenna shut her eyes, seeing her mother. “My greatest fear is having a dream in this wretched world. I fear I will grow weak because of that hope and lose those I don’t wish to lose because I wasn’t strong enough to protect them. If I allow myself to fall into you, I am putting a target on your back, Klyde. I won’t do that.”
Wrapping the sheets around her, she rolled out of bed and went to sit in the chaise by the fire. A knot of emotions tangled within her throat. Now she was the one pulling away, because she reminded herself why she had to be alone.
She heard the rustle of the bedding as Klyde rose. What else could he do but leave?
“I knew the risks that came with choosing this,” he said a few steps from her, now dressed in only his trousers. “I told myself nothing goodwould come of it, but there was no ignoring what you did to me. I always asked myself the same question.” He gazed at her, his eyes glistening. “Why ... why can’t I stop?”
“Stop what?” Lucenna whispered as he stepped closer.
“Wanting you.”
“Don’t say those things to me,” she begged as he kneeled in front of her. “When you do …” He made her feel like the world was no longer on her shoulders, and it tore down her walls. “You draw out parts of me I never show anyone.”
“Show it to me, Lucenna. Every part.” He brushed the hair from her eyes, cupping her face. Her pulse drummed beneath the tenderness in his gaze. “I wasn’t ready for this. I don’t think anyone ever is. I didn’t know what I was looking for when I found you, but I found exactly what I needed in you.”
