Page 31 of Heatbound Hearts

Zyx's tongue traces my lower lip, asking for entrance. I part my lips, welcoming him in. Our tongues dance, exploring and tasting. A soft moan escapes me, swallowed by his eager mouth.

The kiss becomes more urgent, pent-up longing pouring out. Zyx's hand moves to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there's no space left between us. I can feel the heat of his body, the strength in his arms as he holds me.

My fingers trace the contours of his face, memorizing every detail. The sharp angle of his jaw, the slight roughness of stubble, the pointed tips of his ears. Everything about him is intoxicating, and I find myself craving more.

I melt into Zyx's embrace, my body molding against his. His lips move with a hunger that matches my own, igniting a fire deep within me. I've never felt anything like this before - this raw, all-consuming desire.

Zyx's hands roam my back, leaving trails of heat in their wake. Every touch awakens parts of me I thought long dormant. I arch into him, craving more contact.

Our kiss deepens, tongues dancing in a passionate rhythm. The taste of him is intoxicating - wild and sweet, like the forest after rain. I drink him in, desperate for more.

Zyx pulls me closer, if that's even possible. His strong arms encircle me, making me feel safe and desired in a way I've never experienced. I lose myself in the heat of his body, the strength of his embrace.

A soft moan escapes me as Zyx's lips leave mine to trail along my jaw. His breath is hot against my skin, sending jolts of electricity through my body. When he reaches my neck, I tilt my head, giving him better access.

My hands explore the planes of his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my fingertips. Every muscle, every contour is a new discovery, and I map them eagerly.

Zyx's wings quiver as my hands brush against them. The low groan he lets out vibrates against my skin, and I feel an answering heat pool in my core. I've never wanted anyone like this before.

Our eyes meet, and I'm struck by the intensity in his gaze. His silver eyes are dark with desire, reflecting the same need I feel. In this moment, I'm certain he's been feeling the same pull that I have.

And I am so ready to give in.

17

ZYX

Ilose myself in the kiss, my entire world narrowing down to the feel of Bronwyn's lips against mine. She tastes like hope and possibility, and I can't get enough. My hands slide into her hair, pulling her closer as I deepen the kiss. Every nerve in my body is on fire, singing with the rightness of this moment.

But then Bronwyn pulls back, her eyes searching mine. "Zyx," she says softly, her voice hesitant. "Is there... is there a wife or partner back home I should know about?"

I shake my head, cupping her face in my hands. "No, Bronwyn. There's no one else. There's never been anyone else."

She relaxes slightly, but I can still see a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. I take a deep breath, wondering if this is a problem she's seen other experience. For noctari, there are sexual partners or mates. And that is all.

"Bronwyn, there's something you need to understand about noctari," I start, my thumbs tracing gentle circles on her cheeks. "Our mating bonds are... they're everything to us. When a noctari finds their mate, it's for life. We can only bond once, and it's not something we take lightly."

Her eyes widen, and I press on, needing her to understand. "So when I say there is no one else, know that I mean that." I give her a smile. "I wouldn't have even let you near my wings if there was."

She scans my face, and then a small smile tugs on her lips. "Good."

It seems to be all the answer she needs because Bronwyn leans in, her lips parting slightly as she presses them against mine. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her onto my lap.

She lets out a soft gasp as I deepen the kiss, claiming her mouth with an intensity that surprises even me. Her hands grip my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin as she melts into the kiss.

I call upon my shadows, letting them swirl around us like a dark cocoon. Bronwyn's eyes widen as she looks up, gasping at the sight of the writhing darkness.

I take advantage of her distraction, my hands slipping under her shirt, tracing the smooth skin of her back. She shivers at my touch, her breath hitching as I trail kisses down her neck.

Her shirt hits the floor, followed quickly by her bra. I take a moment to appreciate the sight of her, my eyes tracing the curve of her breasts, the line of her collarbone.

She's beautiful, and the fierce need to make her mine erupts in me. I lean in, capturing one of her nipples in my mouth, teasing it with my tongue until she's squirming in my lap.

I move to the other breast, lavishing it with the same attention. Bronwyn's hands are in my hair, holding me close as she grinds against me. I can feel her heat, even through our clothes, and it's driving me wild. I trail kisses down her stomach, my fingers toying with the waistband of her pants.

"Zyx," she gasps out.

I pause, my eyes meeting hers. "Do you want this, Bronwyn?" I ask, my voice rough with desire. I need to hear her say it, need to know that she wants this as much as I do.

---