Page 77 of Possession

“Whenever you’re ready.” He lifted his weight onto his elbow.

“I’m ready.”

Declan’s smile met mine and our lips broke against one another’s with a delicate sweetness. It was tender and hungry and it pooled inside my stomach with a delicious heat. Declan’s mouth didn’t leave mine as he leaned back. His hands on my waist pulled my weight above him. A deep, rumbling groan vibrated within his chest below my palms, as I moved my legs, positioning them, one on each side of his hips. His body was hard and the pressure, the ache he stirred in my core felt a partial relief as he pressed himself against me.

“I’m ready,” I whispered again and he took my breath away, filling me, as he connected my pulse with his.

We hadn’t left my bed since he’d shown up, and when I’d heard Lana come home about ten minutes ago, the sound of the front door had roused me from my sleep. Declan’s arm was wrapped around me, his hand on my belly keeping me close. The position made it easy for me to explore the smooth surface of his muscles. My fingers created serpentine lines down Declan’s chest. His breathing was even as he slept, his face without any tension, his lips slightly separated as he inhaled and exhaled in peace. A loud grumble erupted in my belly and my mouth watered with nausea. I was starting to get hungry.

When my thumb dusted against his nipple, it was the first time I noticed he’d taken out his piercings, and it distracted me from my empty stomach. I’d grown used to the way the metal had felt under my fingertips.

“I had to take out all of my piercings.” His groggy voice startled me, and he chuckled.

He moved his arm and I sat up. My gaze lifted to his ears, where his earrings were secured in place.

“The ear piercings didn’t close.” He lifted his hand and the pads of his fingers ran along the silver jewelry in his ear.

“Will you pierce them again?” I asked and felt my cheeks heat.

He grinned. “Do you want me to?”

“I think I do.” It fit him, and it was kind of sexy. “Does it hurt?”

“Like hell.” He laughed when my stomach growled again. “You sound hungry.”

“I am. Lana just got home, and on the nights she meets with her professor she brings home take out.” I leaned across his body to my nightstand to grab my hair tie. His firm hands gripped my waist, and I squealed as he gently tossed me onto my back before I could reach it. His smile was full and his stare landed on my mouth. “Declan, Lana ishere.” I giggled as he buried his nose in my neck. The hairs of his beard scratched and tickled my overheated skin.

“I don’t care,” he mumbled as his teeth nipped my earlobe.

I wiggled under the heavy muscles of his chest. “This house has thinner walls than your apartment.” He hummed in agreement and the heat of his breath spread down my arms, chest, and legs. I laughed as I said, “I’m serious.” I playfully shoved him and he groaned as he sat up on his knees. I pressed my lips together and admired his body. Everything between Declan and I felt normal… things felt better, easy.

He smiled down at me when he caught me staring. “You don’t look serious.”

“I’m starving… and don’t you want me to tell Lana I’m moving out?” I brought my triumphant gaze to his.

Declan’s eyes brightened as he said, “Let’s get dressed.”

We quickly threw on our clothes, and I brushed out my hair and pulled it up into a knot. Declan watched me in the mirror as I secured the mess on the top of my head. My cheeks were flushed and my skin tingled all the places where his mouth had been.

I met his stare in the mirror. “This feels different.”

I turned to look at him face-to-face when he asked, “How?”

I smiled as his brows furrowed and said, “It’s a good thing. Now that Clark agreed to the divorce…” Declan’s eyes narrowed just enough I noticed. “Even though everything isn’t final… I feel free. I’m free.” His shoulders relaxed. “And, I can tell you feel better. When was the last time the voices spoke to you?”

He ran his hand through his hair and his smile reached his eyes. “It’s been almost five days.”

“Declan, that’s—”

“A fucking miracle.” He moved toward me and took my hand in his. “I’m happy, Paige.” Those crystal blue windows opened wide again as he leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. “Come on.”

He opened the door to my bedroom and the smell of Chinese food hit me like a brick. My head swam and all the acid in my stomach churned.

“Declan—”

“Paige, I got the Jade Dragon, I ordered your favorite…” Lana paused when she noticed Declan at my side. “Well, hello there.” Her teasing smile fell as she turned her eyes to me. “You alright?”

I tried to swallow down the sick feeling but that smell…

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