Page 47 of Claws and Controllers

Zy released her hand, tamping down on his disappointment. “Sure. But I reserve the right to complain about any unresolved plotlines.”

Ellie’s laugh rang out, bright and genuine. “Deal.”

As the night wore on, their conversation drifted to lighter topics. Zy found himself captivated by Ellie’s animated descriptions of her favorite games, her eyes lighting up as she detailed intricate storylines and game mechanics. He shared amusing anecdotes from his early days in the industry, delighting in her laughter.

“I can’t believe you actually pitched a game about sentient office supplies.” Ellie giggled, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes.

Zy grinned, enjoying her amusement. “Hey, I stand by that concept. The world just wasn’t ready for an epic saga starring a heroic stapler.”

“Clearly, their loss,” Ellie teased. Her expression softened. “Thank you for making me feel safe, and for... well, for just being you.”

He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll be anything you need me to be, beautiful,” he murmured.

Ellie leaned into him and his breath caught in his chest. “Will you be mine? Will you make me yours?”

Hell yes. “If that’s what you want.”

“It’s what I need.” She kissed him again.

“Are you sure?”

“I want to be yours. Your mate. Now”

“Ellie we can wait on mating.”

She shook her head. “You saved me, Zy. Now I want you to have me. All of me. I’ve been denying myself long enough. I don’t want to wait anymore.”

Neither did he. He let her pull him in for a kiss and allowed her to take the lead. His mate wanted him and with the scare he’d suffered seeing her surrounded by danger, he needed the connection. He needed her.

NINETEEN

Ellie raised her head and slowly started peeling out of her pajamas.

“What are you doing?” Zy’s voice was rough with lust.

“What I need,” she answered simply.

“That’s a dangerous thing to do, Ellie.”

She shook her head and removed her pants, leaving her bare. Zy took all of her in, and he stepped forward almost as if he were fighting his instincts.

“Zy,” she said. “You’re a good man. I trust you, you know that, right? But I have been hurt bad. My ego, self-esteem, and heart took a big hit. So I’ve been alone for a long time. I have been wary of other people since my game was stolen from me and my marriage turned out to be a joke. But you? I trust you.”

“I’ve been fighting my need for you since the moment I laid eyes on you.” He closed the distance between them, pushed her head back to give him the right angle to her mouth, and fused their lips together in a passionate kiss.

He reached around to cup her bare ass, his hands gripping her cheeks to crush her body into his. He growled into the kiss, deepening it with his tongue. He explored her mouth, and it was only when the sound of ripping material echoed in the roomthat she realized he had ripped her underwear off. The scrap of material fell to the plush carpet, and she moaned, melting into his arms. “Zy!”

He chuckled. “Yes, love.”

“Is this going to be a thing?” She giggled.

He smiled at her. “Maybe. You’re way too delicious for me to resist.”

“If you say so.” She laughed.

Zy continued to kiss her as they stripped him out of his sweats. He wasn’t wearing boxers, but Ellie wasn’t shocked by this. He’d been stark naked when he carried her into his car.

“I’m gonna be so damn annoying, but I need to ask again. Are you sure that you want to do this?” Zy seemed to be holding his breath as he waited for her to answer, but there was no way Ellie was backing out now. She wanted her tiger about as much as he wanted her.

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