His common sense begged him to return her. But he’d never had much sense. In fact, he profaned it as it often impeded him in the past.
Before he let her go though, there was one thing he had to know. “I told you I loved you, Simi. You didn’t?—”
“I love you, too, Thorny-man.”
The relief inside him was palpable. He hadn’t realized until she said those words how much of his sanity was tied to this …
Demon. Precious, precious demon.
His heart pounded as knelt before her. He had never felt quite like this—so vulnerable and strong. All at the same time. Her eyes shone with an intensity that took his breath away.
“Simi,” Thorn said softly, his voice heavy with emotion. “I’ve loved you for centuries—” Literally. “Even when I didn’t fully realize it.”
She looked at him, and he didn’t think. He closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was soft and sweet at first, but as they both fell deeper into the moment, it became bolder, and more passionate … less clumsy, intense.
Simi’s fingers tangled in Thorn’s hair, gripping lightly as their tongues danced, and she moaned deep and low in her throat, the sound thrilling him to no end. It sent his heart into a skitter and he deepened the kiss, encouraged by her reaction.
Every graze of their lips ignited a burning desire that spread through his body like wildfire.
His breathing ragged, Thorn pulled back slightly, his hands still roaming Simi’s body, exploring every curve and dip. “Simi … I don’t want to be without you. If you stay, we can find a way to make this work …” His voice was desperate, his eyes pleading.
She cupped his face with her hands, her voice scarcely more than a whisper, “I want to stay, Thorn. I do.”
He knew it was the truth …
But there was a “but” hanging in the air.
He didn’t want her to say it out loud. He found her lips again, pressing his mouth against hers, insisting. That kiss heightened the intensity of his desire and his love for her.
Gods help him. Their kisses were like a never-ending feast, each more delicious than the last. The taste of her lips, soft but insistent, was the sweetest thing he had ever experienced. It was like ambrosia, leaving him craving more. But as much as he wanted this … wanted her … a part of him knew they couldn’t continue.
Acheron would kill him. Plain and simple.
Even so, he couldn’t stop himself as she melted into his kiss. He reveled in it, ignoring the small voice at the back of his mind reminding him of the reality of their situation. Reminding him of what this kiss might ultimately cost him.
She closed her eyes, her long lashes brushing her flushed cheeks, and he drew her fully into his embrace, like a starving man at his last meal. Her body molded perfectly against his, soft curves meeting hard planes. Thorn’s hands roamed over her back, tracing the delicate outline of her wings. Simi shivered at his touch, a soft moan escaping her lips.
“Thorny …” she breathed, her voice thick with desire, and he kept going, wanting to savor every moment, every sensation. His hands skimmed her body as if memorizing every curve and plane as she returned his fervent kisses with equal passion. The heat between them was electric, sparks of desire crackling in the air. Her body pressed against his, her arms wrapping about his neck as their lips moved together in a long, passionate dance.
Their heartbeats pounded in unison, a primal rhythm that echoed in their ears.
Simi’s body felt like a river of molten heat at the touch of Thorn’s lips, but as she gave in to his passion, a nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her of the harsh reality that threatened to tear them apart.
Her akri would never approve of this.
Even so, this was a moment that suspended time itself, their souls merging and their hearts beating as one.
Simi never wanted it to end.
The air, mixed with Thorn’s familiar musk, created a heady aroma that consumed her.
Akri will be so mad. But for once she didn’t care. Simi craved this intimacy with her precious demon. Thorn was everything to her and she was willing to upset her akri to have this one special person.
Forever …
Pulling away, Thorn looked up and captured her gaze with his. “Simi … I know Acheron is going to kill me and I won’t be able to stop that. But I can’t go the rest of eternity without you. I’m willing to give up anything to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Marry me?”
Never once in all these centuries she’d been alive had she ever hoped to hear those words.
