“I’m notunhappy.I just…”
A moment later, light blooms between us.
Rowan holds his wand, commanding the illumination spell. He lifts his brows, smiling. “Do you need a hug?”
I laugh, shaking my head, denying how truly needy I am.
But when he beckons me forward, I step in without hesitation. Holding me with one arm, he lets the light spell drop and slides his wand into his waistband.
I sigh as he wraps both arms around my back and holds me close. We’re alone, with only the starlight for company, in the shadows of my overgrown garden.
The night air is cool, and Rowan is warm and solid. I breathe in his familiar scent and close my eyes, wishing we had more than a few stolen moments.
“I should go,” he finally says, the words spoken close to my ear.
“Okay.” I cling to him for a few more seconds and then reluctantly step back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He leans down and brushes a kiss over my forehead.
“All right.”
He pauses briefly and then leans in again, kissing the tip of my nose this time.
I smile at this rare glimpse of his playful side.
“Well…” In the dim moonlight, his eyes move to my mouth. “Good night.”
The bond crackles between us, coaxing us closer. I tilt my face up, giving him permission.
Rowan’s lips touch mine briefly, lingering for no more than a second. Just a peck. He pulls back, his eyes searching mine in the light of my sparkles.
Feeling bold, I stand on my tiptoes, place my hand on his chest to steady myself, and return the kiss with a whisper-soft one of my own. “Night.”
We stare at each other for several heartbeats. Against my palm, Rowan’s chest moves faster with each breath he takes.
Please.
Please.
Finally, he groans out a mild curse, cups the back of my head with his big, warm hand, and claims my mouth like he owns it.
Chapter 5
The Greenhouse is an Option…
“Rowan,” I gasp, my hands clutching his back, pulling him closer. “I’m glowing. You need to…” I moan against his mouth, lost to his sweet assault. “Oh, stars. You need to cloak us.”
“No.” Breathing hard, he breaks the kiss and firmly places his hands on my shoulders, as if he can’t decide whether he wants to set me back or keep me close. “We shouldn’t do this. I got carried away.”
I cross my arms,glaringat him. “Your rules are stupid, and I don’t like them.”
He barks out a laugh. Taking a purposeful step back, he scrubs his hands over his face. “The bond is going to be the death of me.”
“Is it affecting you?” I ask. “Are you having trouble staying in control?”
Slowly, Rowan lowers his hands, his eyes meeting mine in the dark. “I’m struggling. Our fused magic is reckless and demanding, and I fear it’s stronger than I am.”
“It sounds like a formidable opponent.” I fight my smile. “I say we surrender.”
