I hum in response and offer him a nonchalant shrug.
His smile widens, and his eyes accept my challenge. He squeezes my waist before letting me go and stepping back. “I have a gift for you.” He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a jewelry box.
Curious, I lean forward to look into the box as he opens it. My lips part in astonishment. Inside the case is a watch.
He removes the watch and reaches for my hand.
“Once upon a time, you gave this strange man who couldn’t smile a custom-made watch with the emblem of the guard crest. It meant the world to him. Whenever he looks at the time, he is reminded of your generous spirit and how much you love and give of yourself to those around you."
Tears form behind my eyelids.
His shine with unshed tears as well. “You changed him, and even when he couldn’t be with you the way he wanted, you were always with him, every second of every day.” With shaky hands, he places the watch on my wrist and clasps it in place.
A dainty gold watch, with a custom-made dial of the guard crest, quartz at the center, emerald replacing the twelve and obsidian replacing the six, sits on my wrist. It matches the one I had made for him all those years ago.
He kisses the scar on my inner wrist. A tear slides down his cheek, and I gently brush it away with my thumb. “I wish you could remember just how much he loved you then because, despite what he made you believe, he loves you still.”
He steps back, bows his head, and leaves me standing there with a heavy heart and unshed tears.
Chapter 72
I Loved You First
JESSICA
Six Years Ago
The blood moon hovers over Quartz Lake. The body of water is undisturbed, tranquil, and smooth like glass. Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me into a solid body of muscle. I melt into his warmth. I missed how he felt, how safe and strong he always made me feel.
My long hair rests just above my waist. He moves it to the side, seductively trailing soft kisses down my neck. My entire body tingles with small bursts of electricity. My muscles tremble with desire. I inhale deeply, wanting to ingrain his scent into my memory permanently.
“How did you find me?” I ask, my voice husky with desire.
“I’ll always find you. Our bond binds us together.” His large hands roam over my body, slowly, gently caressing every inch. His kisses along my neck intensify as he nips and sucks at my skin. I clench my thighs together, praying his hands will move lower to satisfy the ache of longing.
“Baby girl, tell me something, anything, to take my mind off of all the things I want to do to you.” A moan escapes his lips as he pulls me against him. His warm breath ghosts over the sensitive place on my neck, making me shiver. Desire floods my center.
“What if I want you to do everything to me?” I offer.
He groans and pushes his hips against me, showing me how much he wants to give in. I want him to give in. I push my own hips back, increasing the pressure against his hardened cock. “I promised Tyler that I, we, would wait for our wedding ceremony.”
I rest my head back against his chest. My need starts to fade.“Where is he? I need to find him,” I breathe.
He spins me around to face him and lifts my chin, so he can look into my eyes. Dark blue eyes search my own. “He’s in an old, abandoned warehouse in the darkest part of the city. Find Liam and tell him where he is. He will know where to go.”
“They took Anders.”
Toby nods. “They brought him to the warehouse. He’s badly injured, but he’s still alive.”
“Why are they not fighting back? Why isn’t Tyler using his magic to transport out of there?”
“They’re using the same drugs they gave you. Tyler… I’m no longer in Tyler’s body. He can’t hear me, and my magic no longer exists without a physical body to wield it. I’ve been lingering in the shadows, watching and listening. I don’t know how much time I have. The pull to return to wherever souls like me go gets stronger as more time passes.”
I clasp my hands over my mouth. “This is all because of me,” I cry.
He pulls my hand away and cups my face. “No, baby girl. This was their plan before they even knew you existed. I’m partly to blame for everything that is taking place now.”
“What do you mean?”
