Not just ours,Leo corrected.She’s her own woman. But she’s choosing us.
That’s even better,his bear agreed.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, moving to stand beside her, careful not to crowd her.
Estelle’s hands gripped the porch railing. “That I want this,” she admitted softly. “And it terrifies me.”
“Which part?”
“All of it.” She turned to face him, her eyes bright in the moonlight. “Wanting to stay. Wanting you. Letting myself believe we could have a life here.”
Leo took a careful step closer. “You don’t have to decide all of that tonight.”
“What if Margaret finds us? What if...”
“Then we’ll deal with that when it comes,” Leo said quietly. “You don’t have to carry all of it by yourself. Not tonight. Not ever again, if that’s what you choose.”
Tell her more,his bear said.
He reached out slowly, giving her time to pull away, and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I’m here, Estelle. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes searched his, looking for doubt, for hesitation. Finding none, she leaned into his touch.
“I’m so afraid to believe that,” she whispered.
“I know.” He cupped her face in his hands.
She stepped closer, closing the space between them. “Leo...”
He kissed her then, pouring everything he couldn’t yet say into the press of his lips against hers. Not just desire, though that was there, hot and immediate. But tenderness too. Steadiness. A promise without words.
Estelle answered with equal hunger, her hands sliding up his chest to grip his shoulders. The kiss deepened, and Leo felt the mate bond between them pulse with need.
When they broke apart, both breathing hard, Leo rested his forehead against hers. “We should go inside,” he managed.
“Not yet,” Estelle whispered, her hands moving to the buttons of his shirt. “I need this. Need you.”
Moonlight silvered her skin as she undressed him, her fingers tracing each newly revealed inch of his chest with quiet attention. Leo stood still, letting her explore, his breath catching as she leaned forward to press her lips to his collarbone.
“You’re sure?” he asked, his voice rough with restraint.
In answer, Estelle pulled her own shirt over her head, her skin glowing pale in the moonlight. She was wearing a simple cotton bra, practical rather than seductive, but the sight of her, his mate, choosing to reveal herself to him, made his heart kick.
“I’m sure,” she murmured.
Leo reached for her, his hands spanning her waist as he lifted her to sit on the porch railing. She gasped, arms wrapping around his neck for balance.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured against her throat, trailing kisses down her neck to the curve of her breast.
Estelle’s head fell back, her fingers tangling in his hair as he unhooked her bra and drew it away. Her breasts were full and soft in the moonlight, nipples tightening in the cool air. Leo cupped them in his hands and brushed his thumbs over the sensitive peaks until she gasped.
“Beautiful,” he whispered before taking one nipple into his mouth.
Estelle arched against him, a soft moan escaping her as he sucked gently. His hands moved to her jeans, unfastening them with deft fingers.
“Lift up,” he murmured, and she raised her hips just enough for him to slide the denim down her legs.
Leo dropped to his knees, pressing kisses to her inner thighs. He looked up to find her watching him, her eyes dark with want.
