Page 12 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

“My absolutebestbloody moments are when I’m doing something that I think will make you happy. That has nothing to do with me at all. I’m complete when I’m with you, Deli.” He gives me a rueful grin. “Movie sound bite as that may be, I’m head over ass in love with you.”

Unable to think of anything except how wonderful it feels to be back in his arms, I give him a tender look. My voice is low when I respond. “I love you so very much, Taurus. I always want you to be honest with me, and you were. You went about it the wrong way, and you said hurtful things, but you apologized. So, we’re okay now.”

I should tell him that while he was gone, I struggled to function because he’s my solace from the crazy. I should also tell him how much it hurt for him to say he could deal with my past, then fling it in my face. I should let him know that with him gone, it felt like a third of me was missing and I ached with the loss. I don’t because I can’t deal with that right now.

I just want to sink into his arms and feel right for the first time since he left.

“I can’t promise that I’ll never feel that selfishness again, but I’ll be honest with you. I’ll deal with it differently, so I don’t hurt you.”

Stroking my fingers through his hair, I murmur, “No one is perfect. We’re all selfish sometimes.” I’ve had people treat me much worse for no reason, and never once did they apologize or regret their actions. I can give him a pass for being an ass because he got possessive this time.

“Are you still mine, heart of mine?”

“Always, baby.”

“Do you forgive me?” His expression is heartbreakingly unsure, and it makes my chest ache.

“I do.” How could I not when he’s clearly agonized over his transgression? I rest my forehead on his, soaking in the calm that is settling into my soul.

“I didn’t mean to worry you, kitty. I should have texted while I was gone, but I needed to do this in person.” He tilts his head to kiss my nose. “On a lighter note, I missed you like the air I breathe.”

“I missed you too. So much.”

“Want to sit on Daddy’s lap, little girl?” He smirks playfully and I scoot over to curl up on his lap as requested. He reaches for my hand, linking our fingers. Bringing them to his mouth, he nips my index finger before dropping his fangs to pierce it. Sucking gently on the single drop of blood that swells, he growls softly.

I blink, the tingling from that tiny draw making the beast stir inside. Taurus ignites the primal in me like no other, and even a small bite gets her going.

He chuckles. “I love that I get to do that whenever I want.” As if proving his words, he moves to my pinky and repeats the action, a small droplet of blood welling before he suckles tenderly.

Laughing softly, I ask, “What, snack on me?”

“Not exactly. I mean I get to be a part of you.”

“You’re a part of me all the time now, mate.”

“I know, baby, but I’ve led such a poor, sheltered life that sipping from you randomly is a new experience.” He makes a face like a poor little orphan and let me tell you, it works no better than the angelic one.

“Oh, poor you,” I chuckle, swatting his shoulder. Giving him a crooked grin, I say, “Honestly? I love when you get excited about little stuff. Things that most take for granted, you cherish. It’s endearing.”

Looking embarrassed, he shrugs. “I’m naive, huh?”

“You enjoy everything and it makes me feel special.” It took me a while to figure out why this reaction makes my heart squeeze. I haven’t felt that way in a long time—everyone else just assumes access to me is part and parcel.

“Look at that. You get prickly when someone picks on me, even when it’s me. That doesn’t bode well for you in public, beautiful.” He grins boyishly, looking pleased with himself, then frowns. “Wait. Youarespecial.”

“Oh, yeah?” I huff, pretending to look peeved.

“Are you going to get stompy now?” He struggles not to look hopeful, and it’s a riot.

I cross my arms over my chest, my eyes narrowing.

“I love when you’re irritated. You turn an adorable shade of red,” he growls, his expression hungry,

“I do not!”

“I beg to differ, woman of mine.” His fingers trace over my jaw as if to highlight it and I fume.

“You’re only saying that to get me pissier so I’ll stomp.”

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