I was never going to be able to let her go. After we lie together, it will be difficult to let her out of my sight. If she does choose another, I’ll become her shadow. Haunting her as the only form of peace I can give myself.
Her words reply in my head. She doesn’t want another. Bloom is giving herself to me. I’d rather lose everything in order to have her, than stay here afraid and alone. I’ve lost enough of my life to fear.
Bloom is more than worth the risk. She is worth everything.
6
BLOOM
Ihold my breath, trying my best not to move.
Sunlight streams in from the window and illuminates the strong planes of Rhydian’s face. His horns glitter like onyx. My eyes trace the slope of his snout and the downturn of his delicate ears. A thick crop of dark hair flops over his smooth brow.
It feels like I’m seeing him for the first time. In a way, I am.
At our first meeting, I was still uncertain what kind of male he was. I had been taught he was our harsh warden, leeching us dry every month of gold. Instead, what I found was a lonely male unsure of his own power.
As the late morning sun continues to rise, I glimpse the real him.
He bared his soul to me in this bed. I felt it in the way he feasted on me—in his frantic touches and lingering kisses. We are one. I want him to be my first time almost as much as I want to be his. To know that neither of us has ever belonged to another is a heady sensation.
Rhydian’s strong arms hold me tight to his chest.
I could spend hours marveling at his taut muscles. He is unlike any male I’ve ever seen. Arousal slides down my thighs as I feel the soft graze of velvety skin. I count each deep breath and catalog the faint scars along his chin.
I want to know how he got them.
There are secrets simmering between us, and I want them exposed. With time, we will learn all there is to know about each other. He already has intimate knowledge of me. And I of him. The memory of his bucking completion into the sheets at the sight of me replays in my mind.
A shiver wracks my body at the thought of what those powerful thrusts will feel like inside of me.
His massive cock rests hotly against my outer thigh. The weight and width of him makes my heart pound. I have no doubt the stretch will be obscenely decadent. I have to swallow my moan as I imagine him feeding me every brutal inch.
I want him to take me with fervor. To rut into me until we both combust and he fills me with his seed. More than that, I don’t want to take the contraceptive herbs. I want more than just a lover.
It is rash, but my desire can’t be denied.
A family with Rhydian has become my most pressing dream. I can picture it. The two of us sleeping like this until the little ones steal us away. We would share meals and companionship.
My father would love a grandchild.
I’m getting too far ahead of myself, but I can’t stop the perfect fantasy from forming. It draws up visions of an idyllic future. One I know Rhydian will join me. I need to hear him say that when I set off for Dew Hollow this evening, he will be by my side.
Truth be told, what I really need is Rhydian awake. I crave more of his body, and if we’re going to complete our union, I’ll need food to keep my strength up.
With a sigh, I run my fingers through his soft hair. Sleepy, dark eyes blink open at me. His arms thread around my back, dragging me into his warm body. A low hum emanates from his throat.
“Good morning,” he murmurs.
“Morning.”
His fingers trail along my spine.
“How are you feeling?”
“Wonderful.” My stomach rumbles between us. I grin sheepishly. “Hungry.”
Rhydian kisses the side of my head.
