My name on her lips does something to me. Something primal and possessive that I’ve been keeping buried for too long.
I cross the room without a word, coming up behind her, sliding my arms around her waist. She melts back against me immediately, her head tipping to rest near my shoulder. I can feel her heartbeat through the thin fabric of the shirt, rapid but steady.
“You didn’t eat all day,” I murmur near her temple, breathing in the scent of her—mist and magic and something uniquely Bree.
“Didn’t have time.”
“You do now.”
I reach past her, taking the honey jar from her hand, setting it aside on the counter. My other hand spreads flat against her stomach, feeling the muscles tense and release beneath my palm.
She huffs a soft laugh. “You always this bossy?”
“Only when you need me to be.” I press a kiss to the junction of her neck and shoulder, feeling her shiver. “And right now, you need someone to make you stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Running yourself into the ground.” Another kiss, higher this time. “Taking care of everyone else and forgetting to take care of yourself.”
“I don’t forget,” she says, but her voice has gone breathy. “I just—”
“Prioritize everyone else.” I turn her gently to face me, hands settling on her hips. Her eyes are tired but bright, silver-flecked and beautiful. “You know, I’m starting to think you have something against pants.”
Her mouth curves, mischief sparking in those eyes. “What gave me away?”
“Breakfast was a strong indicator.” My thumb traces small circles against her hip bone through the thin fabric of the shirt. “I still can’t stop thinking about it.”
“Good.” She reaches up, fingers threading into my hair, and the simple touch sends electricity down my spine. “Because I wasn’t asking permission.”
That shatters something in me.
I’ve been patient. Restrained. Watching her choose the others, waiting for my turn, telling myself I could wait as long as she needed.
But the way she’s looking at me now?
Like she wantsme.
Not the careful, measured Theo who keeps his distance. Not the seer who’s always three steps ahead.
Just me.
If I don’t touch her now, I never will.
I don’t think.
I move.
My hands grip her waist and I turn, lifting her onto the counter in one smooth motion. She gasps, legs parting instinctively as I step between them. The movement makes the shirt ride up, exposing moreof her thighs, and I have to grip the counter edge to keep from losing control completely.
“Theo—”
I kiss her.
Deep. Claiming. Every ounce of restraint I’ve been holding onto for months dissolving in the taste of her mouth. She tastes like possibility and power and home, and I can’t get enough.
She kisses me back just as desperately, fingers tightening in my hair, pulling me closer. Her legs wrap around my waist and I groan against her lips at the feel of her pressed against me. Even through our clothes I can feel her heat, and it’s driving me insane.
I break the kiss, breathing hard, resting my forehead against hers. I Saw you this morning. Kneeling in the Ether. Radiant. Untouchable.”
