“I wouldn’t take his aloofness toward you personally. He’s like that with everyone.”
I stare at the door but make no motion to touch it. The magic is still keyed to my core—I can feel the soft humming of its vibrations, calling to me.
“So, do you have a key?”
“Yes…I’mthe key.” I press my palm against the silver wood, and it opens inward for me.
It’s crazy how fast my heart is beating now. I can’t believe I’m this nervous about entering my own damn apartment. Each step I take forward feels like a chore. This used to be my haven, my safe place away from the wickedness of my mother’s court. Now, it’s a foreign space, even though everything looks the same.
The curtains framing the tall windows are open, and the rays of sunlight coming through the stained glass turns the room into a kaleidoscope. The crescent-shaped white couch facing the fireplace still has my favorite blanket draped over the back. The white fur rug in front of the couch is as inviting as ever. Fresh flowers have been brought in, and since my mother didn’t know I was coming, servants must have taken care of my quarters during my banishment.
I take everything in, trying to control my emotions. I don’t dare to continue my exploration into my bedroom. A sob gets lodged in my throat. Lucca hugs me from behind and kisses my shoulder. He doesn’t ask how I am; he knows this is hard for me.I melt into his body, relieved that he still wants to touch me like nothing has changed.
I wish I could be as certain of his thoughts, though. But facing my mother has brought back all my insecurities. I turn in Lucca’s arms and look into his warm brown eyes. “How are you holding up?”
His brow furrows, and he cups my cheek. “I’m okay, sweetheart. It’s you I’m worried about.”
Tears roll down my face. I close my eyes, leaning into his caress. He wipes the moisture with his thumb before he kisses my cheeks, then the corner of my mouth.
“Lucca…”
“I love you so much, Vivi. So much.”
I stare into his eyes again. “You’re not repulsed by me now that I’m a full Nightingale princess again?”
“Repulsed? Why would you think that?” He captures my face between his hands. “You’re my everything, my love. You’re the air I breathe, the spark that gives meaning to my existence. Without you, I’d be lost.”
He seals his mouth to mine, preventing me from saying another word. My lips part for his sweet invasion, and his tongue takes control. My heart is beating fast and steady, my pulse pounding in my ears. I want… no, Ineedto feel him everywhere.
Picking up on the urgency in me, Lucca lifts me off the floor. My legs immediately wrap around his waist, and he strides to the couch. He sets me down gently but remains standing, breathing hard. His eyes are fiery red now, and the tips of his fangs are exposed. The look of pure lust makes my pussy throb with need. My entire body is shaking, craving his touch.
“You’re breathtaking, Vivi.”
“You are too, Luc. But those clothes need to go.” I flick my finger, and the rush of excitement as the magic flows throughme makes me giddy. With the power of the wind, I unbutton his shirt, then peel it off his body.
He lifts a brow, smirking. “Nice. What else can you do?”
“This.” I twirl my finger, levitating him off the floor.
His eyes widen. “Whoa.”
Lucca’s reaction gives me the giggles. “Now, let’s take care of those pants and boots.”
A moment later, all his clothes are gone. I have the most beautiful male I’ve ever met hovering above me, staring in fascination. My eyes fixate on his arousal, and thoughts of teasing him evaporate. I’m done with the magic show.
I bring him closer, and as soon as he’s near, he reaches for me. I release the wind, needing Lucca’s full weight over my body. His lips find mine, hungry and possessive, and his hands covers my breasts. I’ll never get sick of his taste, a sweet nectar that’s addictive and irresistible. He abandons my lips to graze my neck with the tips of his fangs, igniting a primal desire within me. I need him to bite me, feed from me, but not until he’s buried deep inside me.
I open my legs to accommodate him better, and he whispers against my mouth, “How come you’re still wearing clothes, beautiful?”
“Oops. I got distracted.”
“No worries. I don’t need the wind to make them disappear in the blink of an eye.”
He leans back and helps me out of my jacket and shirt as fast as he promised. But when it comes to my pants and underwear, he takes his time, rolling them down my legs slowly, and just halfway.
There’s no need to ask him what he’s up to. I can see it clearly in his crimson eyes. He runs his tongue across my pubic bone, leaving a trail of goose bumps on my skin. I rotate my hips,unable to remain still, but Lucca chuckles, digging his fingers into my hips to keep me in place.
“Patience, my love.”
