‘I knew she was wrong. I knew it in the very marrow of my bones. And I swore that day, if love meant compromising myself, I would never fall in love.’
‘But you’ve fallen in love with me. And now you must sacrifice any dream you had of children.’ The hope in his eyes glimmered and died. ‘I can’t ask that of you. I won’t.’
Taking his hand in her own, she offered a kiss to his palm. ‘You don’t understand. I didn’t tell you about my mother because I feel like I’m surrendering a part of myself to be with you. I told you about her because I want something to be very clear between us.’ Clio took a deep breath, pulling the heat from the room into her core and letting it strengthen her resolve before she exhaled slowly. ‘I can’t change that I am a witch. I won’t give up my powers for you, or for anyone. If you asked it of me, I would walk away. I wouldhaveto walk away, because it is who I am.’
He blinked, quirked his head, then shook it as he processed what she said. ‘I would never ask that of you. I love your magic because it is part of you.’
Joy swelled as Clio smiled. ‘And that is why I can give you my heart. That is why we can create a future together. Because you aren’t asking me to change who I am. And I am not asking you to change either, Thomas. I love every single part of you. The parts you’re proud to showthe world, like your stern frown,’ she traced his lips, ‘and your sharp mind,’ her finger trailed up the side of his face to lightly brush over his forehead. ‘And the parts you would rather keep in the shadows.’ She rested her palm over his heart as her magic sizzled and sparked between them. ‘No one part of you is less or more than the other. They are all important pieces of the man I find endlessly fascinating.’
He placed his hand over hers. ‘You would make a life with me, knowing we could never have children of our own?’
‘I will make a life with you, knowing that we will create a family. No matter what that family looks like or how many people… or ravens… it includes.’
He pulled her into his arms and held her tight against him. Her heart beat in tandem with his, their breaths aligned, and her fire flowed into him until they both glowed with pure light.
‘Will you make love to me, Thomas? Will you claim me as your own and let me claim you as mine?’
‘Always.’
In a move of strength that had her heart fluttering, Thomas swept her into his arms and walked to the bed. He set her down and layer by layer, stripped away her dress, corset, stays, and chemise, all the pieces that had been so carefully assembled, until she stood naked in front of him.
‘I do believe we’ll be late for dinner.’ Clio couldn’t stop her mischievous grin.
‘With the to-do Violet’s arrival caused, I doubt anyone will notice.’ Thomas’ smile was equally full of glorious wickedness.
Turning, she realised he was still in his coat while she stood naked in front of him. She shivered as her nipples grew hard with need. ‘While I love you in this coat…’ She pushed it off him and started on his buttons. ‘I want you naked.’ She was dexterous with preparing herbs and creating potions, but the intricacies of male fashion seemed to confound her. Thomas lent a helping hand as they undressed him together.
When Thomas pushed down his smalls, she couldn’t stop herself from staring. He was just as large as he had been in her vision. Only now, he was looking at her. Fear glimmered. She understood the mechanics of what they were about to do. Aunt Rowan made sure the girls were well educated. But knowing the recipe for a potion was very different from bubbling it in the cauldron.
‘Touch me.’ His commanding tone helped. She didn’t have to determine what to do. She only needed to follow his instructions.
Putting her flat palm against his ridged stomach, she marvelled at how different they were.
He took her wrist, guiding her hand lower. ‘Touch all of me.’
She paused, and he let her go, giving her the power to explore at her own pace. Slowly, she ran a single finger from the thick root of his erection to the bulging head. His skin was softer than silk, hot and hard.
‘Wrap your hand around me, Clio.’
She did as he asked, fascinated by the weight and heft. ‘This is meant to fit inside me?’ Doubt laced her voice with hesitation.
‘When you are ready.’
She looked at him and bit her lip. Aunt Rowan said there could be pain the first time. Clio wasn’t afraid of pain. She was afraid of losing this moment.
‘Tell me what to do.’
22
Thomas had been thrust into a magical world where every dream he’d ever had was coming true. After what seemed an eternity apart, finally Clio stood in front of him, her creamy skin glowing. His fantasies of the past few days didn’t compare to the headiness of this reality. Her lush body on display for him to watch, touch, pleasure, and claim. Because she already possessed him. Heart, body, and soul. That was certain. And this fiercely independent, powerful woman was asking him to lead her down a road that would irrevocably bind them together.
‘Climb on the bed and lie on your back.’
Clio didn’t hesitate. She followed his orders without question.
He joined her.
‘If you want me to stop, tell me.’
