Page 29 of Mine to Worship

Chapter 13

Ellia

Leaves and branches crunch under our feet on our way back to the car, and I trip on a root, but Kian catches me. It’s a wonder I can stay on my feet; walking is asking too much after what we just did. It was unapologetically raw and carnal, lust and madness, obsession and addiction rolled into one. But it’s his words that stick with me. There were moments when the past mistakes were forgotten, and we were back to us, to pure emotions, carnal frenzy, and need.

I climb in the car and Kian looks amused, as he picks a leaf from my hair.

What have I done?

“No, fuck no.” He lifts me on his lap, his face sobering up, the ease vanishing. “Stay here with me, stay mine.” His fingers tremble against my cheeks. His lips find mine in a desperate claim and I give in, his pull too magnetic for me to even dare to escape.

“I hate it happened out of jealousy,” I tell him after the kiss ends.

He cocks his head. “We’re both jealous types, Ellia.”

“We’re insecure types, Kian,” I say with a huff, my hands falling in my lap.

“And I don’t fucking care. It’s been weeks and I finally got you back.”

“You’re mine.” I slam my hands on his chest.

“Are you telling me or asking me, angel?” He drags me by the back of my neck, our noses touching. “Only yours. You own me. I am only yours, just fucking yours, no one else’s. No one else’s before you either.”

He got my body, and it didn’t even take him long. I’m so weak for him.

He starts the engine and we spend the quick drive to the lodge in silence. Thoughts swirl in my head causing a headache.

Once in bed, we’re propped on our elbows, facing each other. It feels right, as if we’re supposed to be together.

“Was it obvious tonight? That I was jealous?” My cheeks heat from embarrassment.

“Angel, I was afraid if I breathed in her direction, you would stab me—and then her.”

I suppress a laugh and roll my eyes at him.

“Don’t you ever dare team up with someone other than me,” I say with a shaky voice and burrow a finger in his chest.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, and plants a kiss on my neck.

“Jake did it on purpose to test my restraint. So, I won to piss him off.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Do you wanna bet I’ll be paired up with Jake next time?” he asks with a raised brow.

“You seem awfully proud of yourself tonight.”

He rolls on his back, his hands crossed under his neck, smirking.

“What can I say? I had the best sex of my life with the woman I love.”

“You’re so full of yourself.” I smack his carved chest and my smile freezes on my lips, remembering the past. The good mood evaporates and he notices immediately, swearing under his breath.

“Why me?” I ask, the need to know knotting up my insides.

Kian’s back stiffens, and he tilts his head to look at me, his eyes filled with anguish.

“If I tell you, would you believe me enough to never doubt me?”

I purse my lips. I don’t expect him to continue but he does.

“I fell in love with you, not even knowing what love was. You crashed into my life, even though I don’t remember sending out an invitation. I saw you and suddenly nothing else mattered. You took over my heart, hijacked any other thoughts that didn’t include you. Branded yourself on my chest. I’m wearing you on my skin like an all-body tattoo.”

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