Page 125 of Bound By Darkness

Ivan’s eyes were shimmering with fire as he looked at me. He was quiet for a moment, my heart stuttering as I waited for his response. Had I spoken too much? Had I misinterpreted his statements, his actions—everything?

“Do you remember the day in the forest when the rebels attacked?” he muttered.

My brows furrowed as I gave him a quick nod, his hand lifting from my neck as he studied my face.

“I remember that unusual casting. I remember its pressure as it crushed me to the ground, but what I remember the most is the look on your face as that rebelcarried you away.” He glanced to the side, his fingers curling slightly. “It frightened me. Not because of the sheer casting, but the thought of never seeing you again. I didn’t realize it at the time, but maybe you’ve always been important to me. I think I let fear stop this… stop whatever this thing between us is too, Thalia.”

His eyes flicked to me. “I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m terrified too. Terrified of losing you… ofwantingyou even if it puts everything at risk. I’m not supposed to deviate from my priorities, but here you are, a stubborn thorn in my side I cannot pluck or remove.”

A tear rolled down my cheek.

Wanted.

Before it dropped below my chin, he wiped it away. “I think the night on the hill solidified it. Underneath the stars, you shone brightest.”

“Ivan—”

“The gods kept throwing you into my path no matter how much I tried to escape it. Maybe it was planned by them to meet or maybe it boils down to luck.” His face inched closer, our breath mingling in the space between. “Either way, Iwantyou Thalia. With or without casting, I do. I can’t stop thinking about you, craving moments like this when it’s only us. You quiet the thoughts in my head—the thoughts that haunt my nightmares.”

My eyes fluttered as his hand crept back to the base of my neck, gently holding me there. He didn’t advance. He didn’t push me closer. He waited for me to close the gap as he always had. Always asking me what I wanted… waiting for me to choose.

It was always my choice with him, but if I did, there was no going back. I would be crossing a dangerous line—an illogical line. His eyes searched mine, silver drawing me in as that last bit of restraint emptied from my head.

“I crave those moments too,” I finally whispered. “When you’re near me, thethoughts quiet too.”

Leaning forward, the heat of that space between us warmed me as my hand traced the scars etched into his face. He’d always been there. From the first encounter with the witch, to Iyanna’s demands. I wanted to know more about him—to understand his pain, his heart, and the scars of his past as my thumb brushed against them.

“Thalia—”

My heart fluttered as I released the last bit of restraints holding me back as I silenced him with my lips, choosing to cross that illogical line.

Chapter 37

Crashing Waves

THALIA

It wasn’ta quick kiss either. This was hot and heated. Every bit needy and feral as I wrapped my arms around his neck, my hands entangling in his curls.

He deepened the kiss, a moan leaving my lips as he pressed my back into the blanket, his body hovering over mine. My mind silenced as his hand entangled in my hair, the other pressing our bodies closer.

His lips broke from mine as he peppered kisses along my jaw, neck, and collarbone, the familiar taste of honey-wine better than any ale remaining on my lips.

He sent another rush of pleasure down my spine, my back arching from the blanket as he nipped my neck.

“Ivan,” I breathed, my hands tugging him closer. I needed more. I needed more friction.

Ivan groaned, his hands fisting the blanket beneath him as he kicked my leg to the side. “Gods, Thalia.”

The way he said my name sounded heavenly as he kissed my throat, his long canines gently nipping the skin there.

His thumbs brushed the skin under my shirt in gentle sweeps as it sent shivers up my spine with each stroke.

I wantedhim. Gods, how long had I wanted him and created petty excuses to prevent myself from letting go? How long had I chained my heart back to prevent it from hurting?

Stupid. Absolutely stupid as his hands tangled in my hair, his mouth finding mine once more.

A crash sounded to the right as the oil lamp knocked over, the flame fizzling out. Neither of us cared as my hips pressed against his, searching for any amount of friction in the space.

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