Page 96 of Kortlek

I turn my head to the side, softly tracing random patterns over his chest, feeling his muscular body under my fingertips. He doesn’t protest, and I continue, mapping out his body with my touch, trying to memorize every single curve.

His phone buzzes, and I discreetly take a quick glance at the person who texted him. My left eye twitches at the name on the screen, and he quickly types in a response. It lasts for a few minutes, texting back and forth before I finally clear my throat.

He locks the phone, tosses it aside, and looks at me as I sit up, looking at him.

“Who was that?”

He raises an amused brow. “Why are you asking when you already saw?”

“That Eva girl,’’ I mutter.

After the night in the club where I saw the girl for the first time, I did some light stalking. She doesn’t have any social media, so I had Arlo look into her. She’s harmless, really, though I don’t like her. She’s too close to Cove for my liking, and I don’t want him giving attention to anyone but me.

“Yes, it’s Eva,’’ he drawls out.

“Did you forget my little warning? I will kill her if my hand’s forced.’’

“Then I won’t force your hand,’’ he kissed my forehead softly. “You have nothing to worry about. Eva and I never had anything going on, and every other girl that I did have regular sex with was dealt with the moment I shoved my cock in your mouth at Kortlek.’’

I hum.

“What? You don’t believe me?”

“Oh, no, I do,’’ I shrug. I do trust him. He knows better than to lie about such matters. Besides, I stalk him regularly as well, and I know that he’s not seeing anyone on the side. Between fighting, spending time with me, and the whole Wyatt situation going on, he barely has any free time.

“Then what’s the issue?”

His hands come down to my ass, giving it a firm squeeze. I bite the inside of my cheek, unsure of how to tell him what I’m feeling. It’s pathetic and stupid, but ever since I was young, I always wanted the relationship Mom and Dad have.

I want someone I can call my own without the fear of them leaving me the moment things get hard.

Cove’s eyes narrow at me, then he sighs softly. He takes my chin between his fingers and brings my face closer to his, the softness of his lips brushing against me causing me to melt under his touch.

“I’m not going anywhere, Aria,’’ he murmurs, his hot breath fanning my lips. “I’m yours. Until my last, dying breath. Even in the afterlife. I’m yours, forever and always. Nothing will ever change that.’’

I manage a stiff nod, and he slowly kisses me.

My arms wrap around his neck, fingers tangling with his hair and gently tugging on it. He groans, tongue slipping in my mouth. He tastes every inch of my mouth, softly sucking on the tip of my tongue. The passionate kiss intensifies when his fingers slide under my shirt, caressing my bare skin.

“Bunny,’’ he murmurs against the kiss. “Eva’s coming.’’

Immediately, I break the kiss with a frown as I look at him. “Excuse me? Why?”

As if on cue, the doorbell rings. I make no attempt to move, and soon enough, the door opens and closes. I hear her shrug off her coat and take off her shoes before she steps into the living room. She pauses, taking in the scene of me straddling Cove’s lap, and clears her throat.

“Am I interrupting?”

“Yes,’’ I nod.

Eva raises an amused eyebrow, though she doesn’t say anything else on the topic. She strolls into the living room, sitting across from Cove and me. I get off his lap and sit next to him, mood ruined and a sour expression on my face.

“What is it, Eva?” Cove asks through a grumble. He’s not too pleased, either.

“I could’ve texted you this, but just in case, I didn’t want to. You know, evidence and all of that.’’

“Spit it out.’’

She rolls her eyes. “Karl Brown — Wyatt Chambers has a warrant.’’

---