Page 85 of A Debt of Darkness

“Perfect, lea.”

My hands lower her until her head falls onto my shoulder and her hands wrap around my neck, clinging onto me. She’s so soft, so relaxed and comfortable, entirely at ease with what’s happened and with me. It’s the closeness and closure we both need, and I turn the shower off, grabbing a towel as I carry her to bed.

Ivy slides under the covers before I can dry her and I get in next to her. She turns, grabbing me as she pulls herself closer, needing me to hold her. My arms tighten around her and she purrs, sleeping without a care in the world.

I’m sated but not content. I need to fuck her and I’m going to need it to happen soon. I’ve been holding back and my control won’t last. It can’t last. Not when she’s my mate and the pull is too damn strong. Not when she’s this fucking perfect and I need to make her mine.

She needs to be ready. Soon. Or I’ll break. I’ll do anythingto get her there, anything to make it happen. Any-fucking-thing it takes for her to give me what I need and want, and to give herself to me.

Please.

Please.Ivy, please.

24

EVERYTHING FALLS QUIET

IVY

Iwake and it’s the first time I’ve felt comfortable in weeks. Henry’s lying on his side, watching me, and I smile as I stretch. I pull the covers over me and he growls. I giggle and pop my head out, waiting until his bright blue eyes sparkle before I dive back under the duvet again.

Henry stills and this is dangerous. He’s playing and he always wins. For once, I’d like to beat him. Even if that means cheating.

The man is impossible.

Never mind that he’s older and has so much more experience than me. He’s stronger, faster and more accurate. He’s a panther primed to attack but he teases me like he’s a kitten.

He isn’t. He’s fucking vicious.

But he’s nevergoing to hurt me.

Not on purpose. Maybe accidentally, but he’ll do everything he can to avoid it. That’s the risk of intimacy and trust, and with him, I’m prepared to take it.

I’m ready for it.

I knew it before last night, but it took what happened to make me realize it. Henry kissed me and it was everything I needed and more. He was careful and wild, deep and soft, relentless and gentle—and his teeth never threatened me but made me feel more alive than ever.

Fuck, the things my body felt last night. Maybe it was because my mind was finally relieved of all its stresses and constraints. I’d discovered I was wrong—very, very wrong—and when I finally faced my fears, they felt insignificant. Meaningless and unnecessary obstructions.

“Are you going to make me come in there and get you, lea?”

I laugh again and Henry curses.

“What happens if you do?” I dare to ask.

“You’re not ready to find out,” he says, threatening me with what I want.

My clit throbs and it’s impossible to ignore. I want him and I feel ready. I’m certain and this feels right. I trust him, even though he isn’t perfect and his imperfections only make him more appealing. More interesting. As if he’s more beautiful because I know his scars and flaws, and he isn’t afraid to hide them from me.

“What if I am?”

There’s silence.

Deafening silence.

The kind that screams Henry’s on the verge of ripping the duvet to shreds to get to me now I’m offering everything he wants. He’s waited for this and now I’m ready, and he’s stillwaiting, making sure I’m certain.

I pull the duvet back and his eyes are wild, possessed by the emotions crashing through him. He leans forward and his movement is that of a predator stalking his prey. I’m not afraid of this game—or him—and I want to be caught. The thought of it makes my heart race and my core warm, and I’m damn sure this is right.

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