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“No, I feel amazing.” His fingers laced with Sinead’s. “I thought that was the only thing to do. There seemed no other option. And when I saw my mom and how bad she was, all I saw was my own damaged future.”

Sinead pressed a finger against his lips. “In case you forgot, I told you I love you.”

He smiled and kissed her finger. “I didn’t forget. It’s good to hear it again when I’m not under the influence of so many drugs.”

She glanced away, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “I can’t explain it. We’ve only known each other for a week, yet I can’t imagine my life without you. When I’m with you, everything makes sense.”

Talyn nodded, his heart full of love for Sinead. “I feel the same.”

Sinead smiled. “I’ll never leave you again. I’m your cure. I’ll stop the bad thoughts creeping in and the darkness infecting you.”

Talyn looked away as doubt circled in his head. It was too big an ask. What if Sinead became infected with his darkness? What if she wasn’t strong enough to keep both of their minds together?

“Look at me,” Sinead said. “I’m calm and confident and know my own mind when I’m around you. You take away the fear and make me realize what I have that’s good in my life. You help me as much as I help you. There’s no way you’re getting rid of me. Even if you turn me down, I’ll become your shadow. I’ll take every opportunity to be in your face until you understand we’re meant to be together. You’re stuck with me whether you like it or not.”

A slow smile spread across Talyn’s face. “I like it very much. In fact, I love it. I love you.”

A blush crossed Sinead’s cheeks, and she ducked her head. “I hoped it wasn’t the drugs talking when you told me that.”

Talyn pulled her in for another long kiss. “I meant every single word.” He rained kisses on her face until she was laughing. “You took a big risk coming for me.”

Her smile faded. “You’re worth it. I got scared. I know that now. What you showed me was something I didn’t think I wanted. I was raised to believe in different things and to value my freedom.”

“I’ll never stop you from being free and doing the things you want.”

“I know that now, but I panicked. I know you’ll never stop me. Which is a good thing because I want to do this with you for the rest of our lives. I signed the contract, and I’m not backing away.”

Talyn wrapped Sinead in his arms and rolled her onto her back. He kissed her until she panted with desire, her lips swollen and her chest heaving. “We’re life mates.”

“I agree. I’m yours forever.”

“Booby, go into privacy mode,” Talyn said. What he had in mind for Sinead needed no observers.

“It’s okay,” Sinead said. “We had a chat while you’ve been asleep. No one can hear what goes on in this room.”

“What did you think we were going to do that needed such privacy?” He kissed the side of her neck.

She laughed softly. “Oh, I don’t know. Take each other’s clothes off and play chequers naked.”

“Chequers? Is that some kind of kinky sex game?”

“Oh! You want to have sex?” Sinead ran a hand down his back. “I’d never have guessed.” She arched up and pressed against his erection.

Talyn sucked in a breath, his desire almost overwhelming. He felt the strong thrum of passion flooding from Sinead. She lit up like a beacon, and her hot energy was sweetly enticing as it blocked out everything else in his mind. His single thought was to give her pleasure.

Sinead trailed a hand down his chest. “I want you, Talyn. In every way. I want no one else.”

His expression was a mixture of desire and caution. “You’re my first human.”

She grinned. “I know how this works. I’ve studied Lillip mating behavior. If you get lost, I’ll show you the way.”

He tilted his head from side to side. “It’s not that. When we mate, our minds join. At least, mine will join with yours. I’ll feel everything you do. I’ll see it all.”

Her mouth formed an O of surprise before she nodded. Her fingers clasped his cock through his loose tunic pants. “I have nothing to hide from you.”

His gaze slid down her body, admiring the swell of her breasts under her jumpsuit, the curve of her waist, and the flare of her hips. She was his, and he trusted her. Talyn shut off his internal barriers and let everything Sinead felt flood into him.

He groaned as her intensity slammed into him like a wall of water.