Page 65 of Exile

I sighed, furrowing my brows as I tilted my head back.

When his eyes met mine, he reached up with one hand to grip my jaw. His fingertips dug into my skin, and he held me there, not giving me a chance to look away. “I love you. I’m—”

We both held our breaths, and he looked surprised that he even outed those words so casually.

His jaw ticked, and his grip tightened as he swallowed hard. “I love you, and if this trip has done anything, it’s deepening what I feel for you. But I’m really trying hard here not to get us in trouble, all right? So you have to forgive me for not giving you the devotion you deserve. I don’t want Julie to question things.”

I swallowed, my heart pounding as I searched his face. He meant it. Every word. His words settled deep inside my chest, where I would keep them forever.

I managed a nod, then whispered, “Okay, that’s…uh, fair, I guess.”

He chuckled and loosened his grip on my jaw, sliding his fingers down my throat. “Glad we’re on the same page about that.” He leaned in and kissed me. Softly, faintly, then he stepped away. “And you don’t have to say it back. It’s written all over your pretty face that you’re in love with me, too.”

Pursing my lips, I felt my cheeks turn bright red.

God, he was just so…proud.

Proud to love me and proud to be loved by me.

He made me leave the bedroom, promising me that we would see each other again in the morning. I went resentfully and dragged myself to my bedroom.

***

Three hours later, I was still awake, unable to sleep. My thoughts kept circling back to Caspian—how close he was, just down the hall.

I needed to see him.

Especially after his confession, I wanted to be close to him.

Besides, what fun was it to not sneak around?

Without making a sound, I slid out of bed and tiptoed to the door, easing it open just enough to peek out into the hallway. Everything was still. There was no sound coming from downstairs, and no light was glowing. I knew Mom slept like a rock, just like I did, unlike tonight, though. My urge to be with Caspian was too strong to stay in bed and close my eyes.

Barefoot, I stepped into the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest as I moved toward the guest bedroom. The floor creaked beneath me, but I continued until I reached the door.

I hesitate only for a second before wrapping my fingers around the doorknob and turning it slowly. Once the door was open, I slipped inside and shut it just as quietly behind me.

The room was dark, the only source of light coming from the streetlight filtering through the curtains. Caspian was lying on his back, but at the sound of the door clicking shut, he stirred.

“Darwynn?” His voice was rough with sleep.

“Yes, it’s me,” I whispered, stepping closer.

I could barely make out his face in the dim light, but for some reason, I knew he was frowning. “What are you doing?” he asked, sounding grumpy as he sat up.

I moved toward the bed, slipping onto the mattress beside him without asking for permission. “I missed you,” I admitted.

There was a pause, and I thought he was getting ready to kick me back out. But then he exhaled and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. “You’re going to get us in trouble.”

I smirked, even though he couldn’t see it. “Only if we get caught.”

He grunted, flexing his hand flat on my stomach. His body was pressed against my back, and I breathed in deeply to let him understand just how comfortable I was in his arms.

He buried his face into the crook of my neck, breathing deeply and muttering a curse as he let it back out. “This is exactly why I didn’t want you in my bed tonight,” he grunted, pressing his hard cock against my ass.

I bit my lower lip and placed my left hand on his, sliding my fingers through his. “But I’m here now,” I said, keeping my voice quiet.

“Yeah…you are.” He moved his right arm under me, wrapping it around my hips and sliding his hand into my panties without a warning. “And you’re so damn wet. Say, baby, have you been thinking about this all day?”

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