Page 71 of Bind Me

“Only because I want you. Seeing you with those babies… it just made me realize how much I want that with you.”

Her expression hardens, and she takes a deep breath.

“We’re not officially even an item, so how can you be talking about babies?”

“That’s where you’re wrong. We’ve been destined to be together from the moment you were born. Don’t delude yourself otherwise.”

She studies me, not saying a word because she knows I’m right.

“I’m going to go find that heated indoor pool.” Stretching her arms above her head, her muscles visibly relax. “I’m desperate to sink into the water.”

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a wicked grin spreading across my face at how hungry I am to sink into her. I smirk, grabbing her hand.

“Let’s go find the pool.”

She hesitates for a second, then nods, her grin matching mine.

“Okay, but just to be clear, this isn’t some romantic getaway. We’re just finding the pool and relaxing. Nothing more.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” I reply, unable to hide the amusement in my voice.

Chapter 20

Sasha

Babies! Is Kaden losing his mind? I glance over at him as he walks alongside me in Billie’s mansion, grinning and humming to himself as if he’s at home. I noticed him getting along well with Tallis, and it’s impossible to ignore that Tallis, one of Billie’s fated mates, is drop-dead gorgeous. Although I have to admit, not as stunning as Kaden, even if he’s a handful and pushy.

But yes, babies. Nope, I’m not ready to settle down.

“Enjoying yourself?” I ask, arching an eyebrow at him. “This place has a certain charm, don’t you think?”

He grins wider. “Absolutely, if you’re into white mansions and godlike hosts. But I like Tallis, and Billie’s a genuinely sweet person. She’s beautiful, but not at your level. I mean, it’s hard to compare anyone to mermaids.”

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. “Oh, is that so? And that’s why you’re drawn to me?”

“It’s hormones and pheromones, little one. It’s destiny. It’s the savage hunger that has me so hard for you when you walk into a room that I know we’re meant to be.”

His words send a shiver down my spine, but I fight to keep my composure.

“Well, how about we make a deal? On this trip, we don’t talk about fated mates, babies, or any of that stuff. Just enjoy our short trip in Finland. Depending on how quickly the king can see you, perhaps we can explore a bit, then head back to Norway.”

He studies me, a playful glint in his eyes. “Agreed. No talk about relationships, just the lure you have on me and me having my way with you at any chance possible. I got it.”

I roll my eyes again, but a smile tugs at my lips. “That’s not what I said.”

“It’s what I heard…” He chuckles.

We seem to be going in circles through the white-walled corridors of the mansion.

“Where are we?” he asks, glancing around a large hallway ahead of us.

“This way,” I say, pointing toward a white hallway to our right. “I can smell the water…”

“Right…” He guides me in that direction, then down a set of steps. I must be distracted or something because the steps are suddenly rushing out from under me. I cry out, grasping for him, for the railing. He moves swiftly, catching me so fast it spins my head. I’m in his arms before I hit the steps, gasping as I wait for the painful fall.

“You gotta be more careful.” He cradles me in his arms like a child. “From now on, I shall carry you up and down stairs.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous. Put me down.”

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