“Dispose of Salvokos’s body, then see what you can discover of Gabriel’s whereabouts,” Luc instructed.
“But sir!”
He smiled and gestured to Nadia. “I believe I have enough protection for the moment. No one else knows where we are.”
With a slight bow, Thamiel left to do as requested.
Nadia was awed by the loyalty Luc inspired.
“But not in all,” he said as he faced her. “Salvokos didn’t feel the need.”
“He was a fucking tool,” she retorted. Still, the fact she’d killed him caused her stomach to ache.
“Come here, pet. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to hold you to convince myself you’re alive and well.”
The sudden onslaught of tears embarrassed her, and she ducked her head as she entered his embrace.
“It’s okay to feel awful after taking a life, Nadia,” he said gently as he rubbed circles on her back. The warmth of his large hand chased the coldness in her soul away. “It was self-defense. Our lives or his.”
“I know. It still sucks.”
“Yes.” He threaded his fingers into her hair and lightly tugged her head back. His gaze swept her face before meeting her eyes. “Thank you.”
“I was so terrified of losing you,” she confessed, not positive she should’ve. Was it wise to give the Devil power over oneself?
“You hold all the power.” His focus was entirely on her mouth. Luc lowered his head until his lips hovered over hers. “You always have.”
26
Luc’s kiss was equal parts passionate and worshipful, making Nadia’s blood sing. For a man who claimed he couldn’t touch others, his skill far surpassed anyone else’s. He kissed like a fucking God. If she could climb under his skin and remain forever, she would. With him, she felt safe, regardless of circumstance.
Yes, she’d been angry after learning the truth and his main reason for protecting her, but she couldn’t deny the emotions he evoked. Nor could she deny the connection they shared.
“I love you,” she whispered the instant they broke apart.
His smile was beatific. “Good.”
As he bent to claim her mouth again, she inserted her palm between their faces.
“Not so fast, mister.”
Amusement twisted his lips, and his gorgeous eyes held a very devilish gleam. “What’s wrong?”
“You know.”
“Are you hoping I’ll declare my undying love for you in return, Nadia?”
His question sent shivers along her neck and shoulders, leaving a residual tingle. “Perhaps not undying, but I’d like to know if you hold me in high regard.”
“Most assuredly, pet. The highest.” Once again, he lowered his head, but he hesitated before touching her. “One might even call it love, if they were so inclined,” he added softly.
“Are you inclined?” she asked, just as soft.
“Yes.”
His lips sealed the deal, branding her as his. She wrapped her arms more fully around his neck as he effortlessly lifted her against him. With a happy sigh, she wrapped her legs around his waist and marveled at how easily he carried her the distance to the nearest wall. Her back hit the bricks with enough force to imprint their texture through her clothes, but not hard enough to cause injury.
Luc pressed against her, and the solid ridge of his erection aroused her well beyond reason, making her desperate to feel skin against skin. As he balanced her weight with his hips, she tore at his shirt buttons, struggling to divest him of his clothing. He was similarly clumsy, pushing her shirt up over her head and chuckling when it caught on her head.
