My mind is a mess of emotions. How can I prove to him that it will be safe in Dew Hollow with me? That if they cast him out, I would go with him wherever he chose.
There will never be another for me. I’m more sure of that now than when I first entered the cottage.
“It is the plight I must carry for the rest of my cursed existence. For my thoughts to never be free of you, to wonder how you are, and wish that I could be by your side. Envying the man who gets to enjoy your kind heart and lovely face.”
Rhydian steps back from me, creating space between our bodies.
“Leave me, Bloom. Go back and tell them the truth. I’ll write a statement for you to give them, but I beg you not to return. I won’t have the strength to let you go twice.”
The devastation in his gaze grips me like a vice.
His words replay in my mind. Rhydian’s isolation has corrupted him. He is worthy of love and understanding. Worthy of companionship—of me. I want him more than anything.
We had made the same peace with our fate, but there’s a chance now for us to have what we want. Each other. My place is with him.
In a perfect world, he will join my father and me in the bakery. I have to show him that no matter what the people of Dew Hollow may think, I see him for who he is.
He isn’t a cursed monster but a kind male. The one I want to give my body and heart to.
I would stay another night here, but I must return to Dew Hollow before Pyke makes off with anyone else’s coins. Hopefully, he hasn’t learned the truth of my whereabouts and has already fled to avoid justice. He has serious crimes to answer for.
In time.
For now, I have a minotaur to assure of my desires. If my words will not sway him, then my actions will have to. Tonight, I would’ve been forced to marry a cruel man. Fate gave me the strength to embark on a perilous journey and find Rhydian at the end of it.
My perfect match. My savior.
The one I have no plans on leaving come dawn. Once he is assured of my feelings, I know he will accompany me back to Dew Hollow. He has the look of a male who would do anything should I but give the word. A trait I long to see the depths of in every wicked way imaginable.
Starting right now.
Sliding forward, my hands trail the waistband of his pants. They skim over each harsh contour of his stomach as I lick my lips. I glide them up his chest before pressing up on my toes and wrapping my arms around his neck.
Our bodies are flush as I tip my head back. His warmth soaks through my shift and encourages more arousal to seep down my thighs. The ache there demands to be acknowledged before I combust.
“Then keep me,” I whisper against his lips before sealing our mouths together.
5
RHYDIAN
At first I’m unsure what’s happening.
Bloom’s mouth is on mine, and while she is opening like a flower—soft and inviting—I’m frozen. Her small hands fall to my chest as she presses harder against me. I can feel every delicious curve and the gentle press of her beaded nipples against my skin.
Her lavender scent is more potent as I taste it from the source.
She is small and warm, and I don’t know what to do with my hands. Or if I should?—
Bloom rocks back on her heels. Her pupils are blown wide. Bewitching color stains her round cheeks as she slides her pink tongue over her lower lip. The amused tilt to her mouth sets my blood on fire.
“Usually during a kiss, the other person normally kisses back.”
Shame cramps my stomach. I’ve displeased her. She offered me her sweet mouth, and I was too afraid to seize it. When will I be bold enough to claim what I want?
“I’ve never kissed anyone before,” I grumble.
Bloom’s eyes turn understanding. Up close, they are threaded with gold and green. I could spend forever cataloging the different hues.
