Page 134 of Visions & Shadows

My eyes drift over his muscled back, and there’s an intense fluttering in my stomach.

This over-the-top attractive and strong-as-fuck man loves me.

My thoughts turn to last night and how it felt to make love to him. Safe to say, my mind’s officially blown.

When I got to feel his emotions and how much he loves me, it was the highlight of my entire life because I’ve never been loved so intensely before.

I’ve finally found a place where I belong, where I can be myself, and it’s with the man of my dreams.

God. Thank you.

Raighne stirs, and a moment later, his eyes open. He lifts his head and stares at me for a few seconds before the corner of his mouth lifts.

“I’m surprised your body isn’t numb from me lying on top of you all night,” he mutters sleepily.

I shake my head, my fingers trailing over the stubble on his jaw. I love the feel of the scratchy bristles.

He pulls himself up and presses a kiss to my lips before he moves off the bed. When he sees the tinge of blood on the sheets, his eyes flick to mine.

“No pain?”

I shake my head, but when I move, I feel tender between my legs. As soon as I feel the ache, it disappears, and my eyes snap to Raighne.

“You don’t have to take all my pain.”

He doesn’t comment but instead says, “Let’s shower so we can get back on the road.”

“Shower?” I ask as I scoot off the bed. “Together?”

“Yes.” He gives me a cocky grin before walking into the bathroom and opening the faucets in the shower.

Things feel completely different between us, and I love it. I don’t have to be on guard anymore, and it’s refreshing.

I join Raighne in the shower, and when he starts to wash my body, I can only stand and grin at him because I adore having his attention and hands on me.

“I love it too,” he murmurs.

I tilt my head and narrow my eyes on him. “Can you hear all my thoughts?”

He pauses for a moment before saying, “Don’t freak out, but yes. Now that you’re not fighting the bond any longer, I hear and feel everything where you’re concerned.”

I start to feel mortified, but he quickly lifts a hand to my cheek and locks eyes with me. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Alchera. Remember when you got to look inside my mind and how amazing it felt?”

I nod, hating that it’s not permanent and only something that happened because we were making love.

“That’s how it feels for me, and it’s important I know everything. Ican protect you better that way.”

“It’s going to take some getting used to,” I mutter. My eyes narrow on him again. “And don’t you dare use my thoughts against me. They tend to be intrusive.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “I’ll never do anything that’s not in your best interest.”

When we’re done showering, I dry myself. Finding my clothes have dried during the night, I’m relieved and quickly get dressed.

Walking into the bedroom, I’m just in time to see Raighne fasten his belt, and my abdomen flutters at the sight.

A crooked smile forms on his face, telling me he knows what I’m thinking about.

“Get used to it,” I mutter, figuring there’s no use fighting our bond. “You’re hot, and I can’t help how I feel.”

---