Page 56 of Bound in Flames

Gods, I was so sick of crying, of feeling like I was out of control.I’ve never felt so weak as I did in this moment, his words burrowed deep into my heart and I couldn’t stop the tears that burned at the corners of my eyes.

“I’m scared of losing you,” he continued, his voice breaking on the words. “I’m scared of watching you slip away, of not being able to protect you. I’m scared of the prophecy, of the darkness, of all of it, but I’m mostly scared of you giving up on yourself.”

The rawness in his voice splintered something inside me, and I swallowed hard, my chest tight. I didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to respond to the overwhelming emotions roiling inside. I reached for him desperately, my hand trembling as I touched his face, tracing the strong line of his jaw. His golden eyes burned, and I felt the strength of his emotions like a tidal wave crashing over me.

“I’m scared too,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to let them down. I don’t want to let you down.”

“You won’t,” Dex said fiercely, his grip tight on my waist. “You’re stronger than you think, Cleo. You’re an orc shaman—your strength comes from the earth and your clan. Whatever happens, we’ll be right beside you. I’ll be right beside you.”

His words should have eased the weight on my chest, but they didn’t. Every mention of the prophecy, every declaration offaith, felt like another chain around my heart. How could I live up to their expectations when I couldn’t even believe in myself to not hurt them. But as I looked into Dex’s eyes, seeing the fear, the love and the desperation swirling there, and I realized he wasn’t asking me to be perfect. He wasn’t asking me to carry this alone. He was just asking me totry. And maybe, that was enough.

I enteredour room late that evening, the scent of the gardens still clinging to me after several hours of meditation. I found Dex already inside, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. The moment his eyes met mine, the tension in his body softened, his gaze holding the kind of warmth I had come to crave in these private moments, studying me in a way that felt like he saw straight through me, unraveling my every thought.

“Feel better?” he asked, his voice a low, rough rumble that rolled over my skin like distant thunder.

I nodded, sinking onto a stool, exhaustion creeping through my limbs. “I’m starting to think I’ll never stop doubting myself.”

Dex pushed off the wall with a slow, predatory grace, crossing the room to stand behind me. His hands settled on my shoulders, the heat of his palms seeping through the fabric of my dress.

“You will. Give yourself some grace, this is all still very new for you.”

I angled my head back to look at my mate, feeling the familiar swell of affection rise within me. This man was a force of nature that had become my anchor in a world constantly threatening to pull me under.

“How can you be so sure?”

His lips curved into the smallest smile, and he leaned over me, pressing his lips to my nose in a quick peck. His sweet affection was a delicious conflict to his possessive nature. “Because I’ve seen your strength. And if you ever doubt it, pull from mine.”

A soft smile tugged at my lips, and I reached up, my fingers tracing the edge of his jaw, feeling the roughness of his stubble. “What did I do to deserve you?”

His chuckle was quick, his breath fanning against my cheek. “I ask myself the same question every day.”

I sighed into him, letting his arms wrap around me from behind, his solid chest pressing against my back. His embrace felt like home. The world outside faded, leaving just the two of us in the quiet hum of our connection.

I met his gaze over my shoulder, and the intensity in his golden eyes sent a delicious shiver down my spine. There was no mask here, no warlord or Chieftain, just Dex. The orc who claimed every inch of my heart.

His fingers traced a featherlight path up my bare arm, leaving a scorching heat in their wake. "My precious mate." I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch, letting the words wrap around me.

“I’m here.” My voice was a whisper, a promise.

Dex leaned in slowly, his lips brushing against my temple, lingering there as if memorizing the feel of me beneath him. His hands found my waist, his thumbs pressing in slow, soothing circles that pulled me deeper into him. He my skin ablaze with such a simple touch, a fire simmering beneath the surface.

Pulling me up into his arms effortlessly, and I rest my hands against his chest, feeling the powerful beat of his heart beneath my palms. That steady pulse was all I needed in this moment. My doubts melted, replaced by the overwhelming need to be closer, to drown in his touch.

His thumb grazed my lower lip with agonizing slowness, and I watched as hunger clouded his eyes. The anticipation between us stretched, thick and heady, until I could no longer stand it. I leaned in, brushing my lips over his, tentative at first, testing. He was quick to deepen the kiss, his tongue battling mine a with a passion that had heat pooling low in my core.

His mouth moved against mine, teasing, claiming, and I felt myself surrendering completely as his hands roamed my curves, tracing my spine, pulling me impossibly closer until there was no space left between us. I gasped into his mouth, and he swallowed the sound, his responding growl vibrating through me, low and possessive.

His grip shifted and rough palms slid under my dress, to skim up my thighs, leaving a wicked fire in their wake. Goosebumps skittered across my skin and I arched against him, seeking more. I was desperate for more of his touches, for the way he made me feel cherished and desired all at once.

Dex pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against mine, his breathing uneven. "I love you.” he whispered.

My chest tightened, the words sinking into my soul. "I love you too," I murmured, threading my fingers through his hair, holding him close.

With a worshiping touch that left me breathless, he lifted me in his arms and took quick strides to the bed, his hands exploring every inch of me as though I were something sacred. His touch soothed the tension I carried, each caress melting away my doubts, replacing them with an aching need.

Dex trailed his mouth down my neck, teeth grazing my skin in a way that made my pulse stutter. Rough hands ghosted up under my dress, dragging across my thighs, hips, and stomach before cupping my breast, his thumb circling my hardened nipple. I moaned and arched into him at his gentle exploration of by body. This was new and exciting territory for us, ourintimate moments were hurried and rough, and despite loving it, I had been craving some softness from my mate.

Rocking back on his knees, he fumbled with his armor straps, and I followed him up, placing featherlight kisses along his chest, my tongue tracing the raised ridges of old scars, feeling the tension in his body coil tighter beneath my touch.

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