Page 12 of Heatbound Hearts

He nods, and I catch a flicker of excitement in Zyx's eyes. I find myself leaning closer, inhaling his intoxicating scent. I hope that he knows I just want to sleep, but with how he's treated me, I think he sees my boundaries.

But I still don't quite trust it.

"Let's go," he whispers, his wings coming up to surround us in a cocoon of warmth and safety. I feel protected, and it feels…nice.

As we enter his room, I'm struck by its cozy simplicity. The bed looks inviting, piled high with soft furs and blankets. It's a stark contrast to the harsh conditions I've grown accustomed to, and I find myself longing to burrow into its comfort.

"There's an adjoined bathroom," he says, pointing at the door in the wall. His consideration touches me, reminding me once again of how different he is from anyone I've ever known.

I thank him, slipping inside to clean up. The water is warm, thank the gods, and I have never felt better than when I get out. But then I realize I have no clothes, and desperate, I take one of his massive shirts that I see stacked on a shelf in the bathroom. It smells like him, and I can't help but breathe in deeply.

When I step out, I sheepishly meet his eyes. "I hope you don't mind," I say softly, tugging at the hem of the shirt that nearly hits my knees. "I didn't have anything else."

He swallows hard, those silver eyes darkening to a stormy gray. "I don't mind at all."

Heat burns up my body with the way he is looking at me, like I'm the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. His gaze travels slowly from my bare feet up to my face, and I feel myself blushing under his intense scrutiny.

Seeming to compose himself, Zyx gestures for me to make myself comfortable, and I sink into the plush mattress with a sigh. He settles in beside me, careful to keep a respectful distance. But even with the space between us, I can feel the heat radiating from his body. It's... comforting.

"Thank you," I whisper, not just for the bed, but for everything he's done since I arrived in this strange new world. "I'm sure this isn't how you expected your night to go."

Zyx turns to face me, his silver eyes seeming to glow in the dim light. "You're welcome, Bronwyn. I'm glad you're here."

There's a weight to his words that makes my heart flutter. I find myself drawn to him, feeling a connection I can't explain. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

As we lie there in the quiet darkness, I realize that for the first time in years, I feel truly safe. And it's all because of thiswinged stranger who's shown me nothing but kindness since the moment we met.

I drift in and out of consciousness throughout the night, my body finally relaxing after days of constant tension. In my half-awake state, I'm vaguely aware of shifting closer to Zyx, drawn to his warmth like a moth to flame. His presence is comforting in a way I can't fully comprehend, chasing away the nightmares that usually plague my sleep.

The next morning – or however time is measured here – I slowly surface from the depths of slumber. The first thing I notice is warmth - not just around me, but enveloping me completely. My eyes flutter open, and I freeze.

I'm curled against Zyx's chest, my head tucked under his chin. His arm is draped over my waist, holding me close, and one of his wings covers us both like a protective canopy. Our legs are tangled together, and I can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against mine.

My heart races, but not from fear. This feels... right. Safe. Like I've finally found a place where I belong after years of running and fighting.

And that terrifies me.

I've spent so long keeping my walls up, never allowing myself to get close to anyone. Attachment meant weakness, and weakness meant death in the world I came from. But here, in Zyx's arms, I feel stronger than I ever have before.

I should move. I should untangle myself and put some distance between us. But I can't bring myself to break this moment. Instead, I find myself nuzzling closer, breathing in his scent - a mix of pine and something uniquely him.

Zyx stirs slightly, his wing tightening around me. Even in sleep, he's protective. And it feels…nice.

No one has ever cared about me before.

7

ZYX

Iwake up, my senses slowly coming to life. The first thing I notice is the warmth pressed against me, the soft curves of a body nestled in my arms. Bronwyn. My heart rate picks up, and I have to fight the urge to pull her closer.

Memories of last night flood back. The fear in her eyes when she thought I might take advantage of her. It twists something in my gut. I can't let her wake up like this, no matter how right it feels.

Carefully, I begin to slide away from her. My movements are slow, deliberate. I don't want to jostle her or make her feel trapped. It's torture, peeling myself away from her warmth, but I manage.

As I create some distance between us, Bronwyn stirs. My breath catches in my throat as I watch her. She's fucking beautiful. Her hair's a mess, spread out on my pillow. My shirt she's wearing has ridden up, exposing her beautiful thighs. It's like Oltyx himself is testing my self-control.

Or maybe this is a reward?

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