Page 97 of My Summer Girl

They nod as if they know. How could they not? The very idea of her, the vivid images in my mind, and the expectation of her flavor make my heart race.

“Now go on. Our queen is desperate and you need to be there for her. Don’t make her suffer. You’re a good dove, aren’t you?” I frantically nod at their words as they grip my jaw tighter. “Then be good for her. She’ll fight back at first, but it’s her heart that’s scared, not her body.”

“I’ll be there,” I say, thinking of the distance Vera immediately put between us.

Not now. I’ll fight for my queen, and no matter what she needs, I’ll be that. She’ll see. “Thank you, Sir.” They lean forward, their soft lips resting against my forehead.

“I would’ve ripped apart every realm to find you, little dove. I’d destroy every being if it would make you smile. Imagine what I’d do to see you happy forever.”

“I’ll deserve you, one day.”

“That day is today and every day after,” they declare, their voice deepening with emotion. “Your family might have forgotten to praise you, tell you that your worries and struggles don’t matter, but that’ll never be me.” Their breath puffs against my skin and through our connection, their concern and love intertwine and shoot through me.

“I love you, Vex Asher.”

Love beyond words melts into me, consuming every beat of my heart through our shared bond. They pull back, their eyes closing with an almost disbelieving emotion fluttering through us. “You’re mine dove, as I’m yours, and my love for you will never end. Not in this lifetime or the next.” Their palms grip my jaw, cradling my face as if I’m the most precious thing. “To hear those words leave your lips is an honor I often feel is undeserving. I love you beyond words and the bond we share. It’s been here since the moment we met. It flourished into possession, and now you own me. Everything I have is yours.”

Tears form in my eyes as theirs open and meet mine. The conviction there is almost too much. Too perfect. Too real. I lean forward and take their mouth with mine. We stay like this, kissing, our mouths not breaking apart, not even as lightheadedness overtakes me. My body shakes with the need to breathe. They note my heartbeat, their fingers pressed against my carotid while the rampant beat begins to shutter and stall.

They keep going, knowing that breath play is something I’ve always been keen on, but especially since this moment is one we both need. Teeth dig into my tongue, blood filling my mouth as they lick it fervently. Black spots paint my vision as my oxygen starts to bleed out. They bite into their own tongue and our blood mingles. I don’t stop them as they play with my nearly limp mouth.

I don’t breathe.

I don’t gasp.

I’ve spent so long underwater without an ounce of breath, and this is better than that. Knowing I’m safe with them. I’ll always be safe with them. Their blood fills my senses, decadent sugary goodness meets my tastebuds, and that’s the last thing I think of before my body falls.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Dulce

BESO - ROSALÍA & Rauw Alejandro

My eyes flutter as heaviness leaves me. The scent of vetiver and warmth tickles my nose and I snuggle into the velvety smoky scent I’m addicted to.

Mine.

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