Page 19 of Cold Heir

“What is it?” The words were far from lucid, but I managed to speak them.

“You’re it for me, Love. Forever,” he confessed. His stare felt heavier now.

He hadn’t said many words, hadn’t written some elaborate poem or letter to express himself, but I heard him loud and clear.

Leaving him for only a moment, I sat up slowly. His eyes were trained on me in the moonlight, staring as I worked my fingers to undo the buttons of my shirt. When I was done, I pulled it down my shoulders, exposing myself to him completely.

Our bond had already roped us into one another’s worlds, and now, tonight, the last drop of distance that existed between us would be decimated.

The second I laid back and brought him on top of me, I frantically pushed his waistband down those toned hips I’d only gawked at before now. He warmed even more when clasped between my thighs, and then blazed hot as I let him enter, pulling him in hard and deep.

Planting both palms against his back, I felt the muscles beneath his smooth skin tense and roll in rhythm. As Levi peered down, his gaze locked with mine, and I think we werebothaware of how our connection deepened even more. There was no doubt he meant what he said, that I was it for him. If I hadn’t known before, I did now.

Realizing he’d let me into his heart tonight brought my body to life, forced the walls I built up to come tumbling down. In every sense of the word, I was his now. And as the last of my inhibitions melted away, I thought he should know he hadn’t been wrong to step out on a limb to tell me how he felt.

It was brave.

It was sexy.

It was honest.

“I won’t leave you again, not without warning,” I swore.

That penetrating gaze of his was steady on me from the moment the words left my mouth, perhaps taking in the depth of the promise I made. He practically lookedthroughme as I was nudged toward the brink of losing myself entirely.

The silver centers of his eyes rolled back, disappearing behind closed lids. I felt myself clawing closer and closer to the edge with each passing second, as hungry kisses and a muffled moan touched my lips.

Levi’s firm hips rocked powerfully against my core, leaving me breathless. I gripped him tight as his name burst from my lips, and a final explosion of pleasure hit me like a tidal wave. Watching me writhe beneath him,the last ounce of control he’d managed to hold onto slipped away then. Perfect, white teeth sank into his bottom lip, andwith pulsating thrusts unmatched in power, he gave in to nature.

Gave in to me.

Our bodies went still. His weight covered me, and I was surprised to find that our hearts raced at nearly the same pace, drumming irregular beats against our chests. Especially seeing as how his hardly beat atallotherwise. Holding him, I acknowledged that so much had changed between us tonight, starting with my promise.

In the throes of passion, I vowed to never leave without explanation again. And seeing as how I’d never dream of forsaking my mission, this promise meant there were some hard, honest truths I’d have to present to the princes.

My love for my team and my cause were alive and well—this was as true today as it had always been. Except, now, it was time to face the idea of love existing in my heart for others too.

Levi.

Julian.

Chapter Seven

Roman

My gaze lifted to the large door of cherry wood and frosted glass as it swung open. He seemed stunned that I showed this time, seeing as how I stood him up not once, but twice already.

Both times, it weighed heavily on my conscience that there was a conflict of interest. On one hand, Jon was offering me a chance to save myself. On the other, that opportunity came at the expense of my brothers.

“Roman,” he greeted me, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you. Please, come in.”

Tonight, he had arranged for us to meet at his home. He stepped aside, inviting me to enter. His residence was far grander than I expected for a man in his line of work. An expensive light fixture hung above, bouncing light off a marble-tiled floor.

“We can take drinks in the study and talk business there,” he offered, gesturing for me to follow.

This whole idea he had—throwing everyone under the bus—wasn’t setting right with me, but I’d hear him out like I promised. Especially with him dangling such an enticing incentive in front of me—Blackbird.

He wouldn’t go into detail when I asked what she had to do with anything, insisting that we discuss matters face to face. So, here I was, finally ready to hear his explanation.

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