Page 86 of Devoted

We stayed like that for a moment, his fingers curled in my shirt, my hands spanning his back.

I’d never felt so calm.

He inhaled deeply, giving a happy sigh. “You smell so…clean.”

I laughed. “Not a compliment I get every day, but I’ll take it.”

Sam groaned, tapping his fingers against my chest. “No, I mean you smell like washing, fresh out of the dryer. When I was younger, I used to steal the towels and bedding out of the tumble dryer before my mum could get to it. I’d wrap myself up like a little mummy, just breathing in the scent. It made me…calm. Happy. That’s what you smell like.”

My throat had thickened. I had to swallow twice before I could get words out. “Thank you. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

He lifted his head, amusement making his eyes sparkle. “That’s nicer than what I told you earlier? That you’re thoughtful? Sensitive? Hilarious? Kind?”

“Yep.” I rubbed his back, making him relax further. “Because this one means I make you feel safe. That you feel comfortable with me. So yeah, that’s the nicest thing I’ve ever been told.”

He sucked in a breath, his eyes widening. “Damnit, Zeke. How the fuck are youthisperfect?”

You’re not that perfect. He hasn’t seen you lose your temper yet. And let’s not forget he can’t know the real you until he knows what you truly are.

My inner voice wasn’t as much of a dick as Sam’s, but it seemed determined to be a fucking pain today. “I’m not, baby, but I’ll try to be perfect for you. I want to.”

“I don’t want that.” His gaze dropped to my lips. “I just want you to be you. You’re the one I want, Zeke.”

I might be an angel, but there was only so much temptation I could stand. With my mate staring at my mouth like he wanted a reminder of how it tasted, I gave in.

Sam’s small moan as his lips parted for me sent shivers down my spine. His hands moved from my chest to wind around my neck, hesitating there for a moment before creeping up into my hair.

My moan was loud, encouraging him, reassuring him that he could touch me however he wanted. Whenever he wanted. He could have me. I was his.

He tasted so good. Like home, like my everything. I crushed him to me, desperate to get more. If I could climb inside him and set up camp, I might just do it. I’d never leave.

When his erection pressed against mine, my vision turned white. Need unlike anything I’d felt before roared through me. Not just the need to make love to him, but the need to own him.

Give him your mark.

Protect him.

Make him yours.

Claim him.

My power rose in response, the quiet hum rising to a crescendo. Louder and louder until all I could think about was that. Him. Me.Us.

No. Not yet.A quiet whisper, but it was enough. I couldn’t do that. Not until he knew the full truth. I wouldn’t tie him to me without his knowledge. Without his consent.

I dragged my lips away from his suddenly, forcing myself to take several steps back. Sam was panting, his beautiful mouthswollen. His gaze slammed into mine and I could see the worry settling in those beautiful eyes. “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong?”

My chest ached as I tried to calm my power. “No, baby. Not at all.”

He took a cautious step towards me. “Then why’d you stop?”

“Because I almost couldn’t.”

Another step. “Who said you have to?”

He was close enough to touch now. And, as was already established, I couldn’t resist him. Cupping the side of his neck, I sought out his racing pulse. Fuck, it was almost as potent as feeling how hard he was.

For me. Sam was this excited overme.

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