Page 66 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Yes. I can hold hers now, too, but not often. It took years to allow her touch. She worked hard to gain my trust. It brought back too many memories. Maverick was the only hand I would hold. Meeting you, I was afraid,” I confess.

“Of what?”

“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stand your touch,” I admit.

“King,” she says softly, her eyes wet.

“I am grateful that I can. In my other relationships, short as they were, I never held their hand.”

“Never?”

“No, I couldn’t stand the thought. I knew you were the one I would do anything for because I wanted your skin against mine. Holding your hand seems simple, but it’s everything to me. It feels right.” I bring our joined hands to my lips, kissing them softly. “Your skin is soft, and your scent is addictive.” She trembles. “Maverick is my family. He’s been my home. We don’t have to speak to know each other’s thoughts. I am so grateful that we are sharing a mate, my Firefly. I wouldn’t have been able to live apart from him. He is my soulmate.”

“I would never want to come between you.”

“We love each other as brothers, but you are the piece we have been missing,” I say roughly.

“King.” Her heart pounds.

“Saph, do not ever doubt our dedication to you. We will do anything to make you happy and feel safe. Sometimes, you may not agree with our reasoning but know we only want to protect you. I know you are able to defend yourself, but you have us now to carry some of the burden.” I let go of her hand and press my hand to her pulse. “We have been waiting for you.”

“I want to be your mate,” she says. “I may be slow to trust, but you have done everything right. It kills me that you both went through so many horrible things. I understand the meaning behind the rope, but I hope it doesn’t cause you more pain by wearing it. It hurts my heart to think that you are reminded every day of your trauma. You will never forget; something like that can never disappear from your mind. But I hope to ease the memories somehow.”

“You already have,” I whisper. “I will always have demons from the past, but being here with you has given me a purpose.”

“I’m glad.” She leans into me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and hugging me tight. I close my eyes and revel in her comfort.

She is the only one we have and will continue to bare our souls to. I don’t think I am worthy of her, but I will not argue with the universe’s gift. They put her in our path, and we will never give her up.

“I didn’t plan to make you sad today,” I say, pulling back. “Let’s swim.” I brush her tears from her face. “My kind-hearted mate.”

“You just want to see me in my bikini,” she teases, sniffling.

“You are right about that,” I drawl and get to my feet.

“You didn’t change into a suit,” she states, slowly standing.

“I did not,” I confirm and reach for the collar of my shirt, pulling it over my head.

“How do guys make that look so sexy,” she mutters, her eyes on my chest.

“Practice,” I say, dropping it to the blanket.

“Uh-huh…” She grabs her skirt in her fists but stalls when I unbutton my pants.

“Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“What?” Her eyes snap to mine.

“If I swim naked.” I hold in my laugh when she waves her hand in front of her face, sputtering.

“Of course not,” she scoffs, but her gaze leaves me. She looks at everything in the area except me as I unzip my pants.

“Firefly,” I call and wait for her to look at me. “Tell me the truth.”

“You distract me,” she says. “How am I supposed to swim?”

“Saph, I’ve been trying to control the urge to stare at you. It’s only going to get worse when you take that off.” I motion to her dress, and she smiles slowly.

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