Page 113 of Forging Darkness

I’m a new person when I emerge from the bathroom. A cloud of citrus steam billows out from behind me. It doesn’t matter that I’m wearing sweats at least two sizes too big without underwear or a bra, or that my hair is leaving a damp spot on my back. I’ve never been more comfortable.

There’s a smirk on Steel’s face as I float in his direction. “Feeling better?”

His hair is wet as well, and he’s wearing a thermal shirt and pair of sweats with the hotel logo on it. I should be annoyed that the casual wear looks so much better on him than me, but I’m not. I give him a prolonged once-over that he doesn’t miss.

“You have no idea.”

Lifting a hand, he scratches the back of his head. “I think I do. I was in that cell for days and it’s not as if I had access to indoor plumbing.”

Scrunching my nose, I gingerly lower myself onto the cushion next to him. “I really didn’t need to know that.”

The hand at the back of his head slides to his cheek, and he rubs the five-day scruff on his face. “You’re probably right. But I’m going to need more than a quick shower to rid myself of the stain of that cell.” He’s staring at nothing, eyes haunted.

“Steel?” When I lay a hand on his shoulder, his gaze clears. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m going to be fine. The important thing is you’re free.”

“But,” I bite my lower lip, wondering how far to push it. Steel is such a private person. I want to ask him about what happened when he merged with Legion. Was he truly all right? Can a person really ever be okay after having another sentient being invade your body and mind?

Surprising me, Steel frees my lip with his thumb. “Haven’t I already told you your lip’s too pretty to abuse?”

I stop breathing because rather than lowering his hand, he gently outlines the bottom curve of my mouth. It sends a sensation to the bottom of my belly that warms me in a completely different way than my powers do.

The feeling only intensifies when Steel slowly lifts his gaze, giving me the glazed look of someone who’s mind is singularly focused on me.

“I . . .” Was there something I was saying? I honestly don’t know.

When I inhale, I get an intoxicating lungful of Steel. All sugary male spice and citrus shampoo.

Oh, my. We are close. When did that happen?

The hand that isn’t leisurely tracing the contours of my face is draped around the back of the couch behind me. He crowds me in the most amazing way as he outlines the shell of my ear with the tip of his finger. His light touch is nothing short of delicious.

Leaning forward, his nose grazes my cheek as he takes in a long draw.

My lids lower to half-mast.

“Mmm.” The sound rumbles in his chest, which is now grazing my shoulder and arm.

My hands itch to touch him. To run up his chest and wrap around his neck. To bury themselves in his hair and pull him closer.

We’re not in a life or death situation right now. I’m not overcome by the shock that he’s alive. But I’m slowly becoming overcome by something else.

The bright light of the day shines on us and whatever happens next can’t be explained away by a life or death scenario, blamed on the heat of the moment, or classified as a mistake.

Whatever happens next can’t be taken back.

His face is next to mine, and if I tilt my head just right, our mouths will align.

He waits for me to make that move. To let him know this is what I want and to step out and take it.

Some of his scruff brushes against my cheek and there’s no helping the goose bumps that break out over my body. There’s no denying that I’m dizzy with desire, but my only confusion is why I haven’t moved yet.

Sliding my lids closed, I release a quiet breath as I allow instinct to take over.

Soft pillowed lips whisper over my mouth. I can’t wait a moment longer.

Bang.Bang.

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