Page 18 of The Knotty Clause

“By yourself.”

“It is easier that way.”

“Not always.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “I’ve been thinking about last night.”

“I shouldn’t have?—”

She pressed her fingers to his lips, silencing him. The touch sent electricity coursing through his body.

“I want to do it again,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the pink creeping across her cheeks.

CHAPTER 9

Gemma watched the emotions play across Yede’s face, firelight reflecting in his eyes. The tension in his body showed the war he was fighting with himself. She wanted to reach out, to trace the strong lines of his face, but she didn’t want to push him. Much.

“We don’t have to,” she whispered. “We can just sit here. Like this.”

Her heart thundered in her chest as she shifted closer, letting her shoulder brush against his arm. The contact sent sparks through her body, and his breathing grew ragged.

“You don’t understand what you do to me.”

“Then help me understand.”

“I don’t—” He broke off, his massive frame rigid with tension. “I shouldn’t want this.”

“But you do.”

The words slipped out before she could stop them and she immediately blushed.

“Yes, but?—”

She laid her hand on his arm, feeling the muscles coiled beneath the fur. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I just want you to know that I’m here.”

His eyes locked with hers, molten silver blazing with an intensity that stole her breath. A low groan escaped him as he covered her hand with his much larger one.

“That’s the problem,” he growled. “I want to do everything with you. Everything I shouldn’t want. Everything I’ve denied myself.”

The raw need in his voice sent shivers down her spine. Her pulse raced as he drew her hand to his chest, letting her feel the wild beating of his heart.

“Maybe we could start small,” she whispered. “Just a kiss?”

Without waiting for his answer, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. Electricity sparked through her veins at the contact.

He froze, just as he had the night before, but then he groaned and his mouth moved against hers, hungry and demanding. Powerful arms wrapped around her and pulled her closer, making her feel both safe and desired. Heat pooled in her core and she melted against him, her fingers tangling in his mane and reaching up to grip his horns.

Time faded away as the kiss deepened, leaving only the searing pleasure of his mouth on hers, her body pressed against his. Her breasts ached and she arched towards him as his grip tightened. She felt the hard evidence of his response, sending desire shuddering through her.

He broke away, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His silver eyes were dark with passion, but something else flickered there too—fear? Regret? Before she could decide he lifted her gently and set her aside.

“I have to go.” His voice was rough as he stood, already retreating behind his walls.

She watched him stride away, her body aching with unfulfilled desire.

“Good night, Yede,” she called softly after him.

His footsteps paused, but then he was gone. She touched her lips, remembering the feel of him, the way he’d held her as if she were the precious thing in the universe.

Patience, she told herself.Small steps.But her heart ached at the thought of him alone in his workshop, fighting the demons that drove him to isolate himself.

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