Page 55 of The Alien in the Archive

She smiles, then, and it’s like the sun breaking through a thundercloud.

“Finally,” she says. “I’ve been waiting for you to suggest that.”

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The air between us practically crackles as we pull apart, our breaths heavy and ragged. Thorne’s hands fall to my hips again, his forehead against mine. He won’t meet my eyes for a moment, but then he looks…

…and that psychic connection comes rushing back.

All of the things he’s felt, how much he’s longed for me?—

“Come with me,” he murmurs, voice low and rough. He steps back, reluctantly letting go of me, but takes my hand in his cool grip. His thumb draws a soothing circle over my knuckles, something he’s done countless times…but I don’t think he realized how much it meant.

“Okay,” I nod.

He leads me from the main room of the alcove, then he pulls aside a tapestry and takes me past it. Inside, there’s a mismatched collection of pillows and blankets strewn over a large sofa. Books are everywhere—piled beside the sofa, shelved on ancient stacks.

I realize with a start that this is his bedroom.

“Thorne,” I say. “I thought you said…I thought you wanted to take it slow.”

He frowns. “I do.”

“Well,” I laugh awkwardly. “I’m not sure what it means in your language, but on Earth, when someone takes someone they just kissed the hell out of to their bedroom, it usually means they want to have sex.”

He chuckles low in his throat, pulling me into his arms. “I just want to hold you, Page,” he murmurs. “Is that too much to ask?”

I don’t answer, unable to stop looking at him as he pulls me along with him. Thorne sinks down onto the couch, long legs sprawling out, and gestures for me to join him. I hesitate for only a moment before settling into his lap, leaning against his chest.

Even this is enough to drive me wild. I want him so fucking badly.

And now that I’ve admitted it…I know I’ve wanted him since the first time we ever spoke.

“Now,” he says, his lips brushing the crown of my head. “Tell me. What’s been going on? Why have you been keeping me out?”

“You already know,” I whisper. “I’m trying to help you.”

“And what does that mean, exactly?” His voice is low, deep. I can feel its resonance against my shoulders, through his chest. “You’ve been distant. So where have you been?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “I went to the Turitella,” I begin. I look back to see his brow arch slightly in recognition, but he says nothing, so I continue. “I spoke to a friend who studies Merati noble lines. She helped me dig into the records on Elixir ceremonies. I wanted to see if there was a way—anyway—to get you out of the Obscuary. To…extend your life without you needing to…” I trail off, unable to finish the thought aloud.

“Without me needing to feed,” he finishes for me.

I nod, my throat tightening. “Yes.”

He looks away for a moment, his gaze distant. “And what did you find?”

“Not much,” I admit. “But enough to know there’s something to the ceremonies. A way to share lifespans, to align them. And I wasn't sure…I didn't know if you would want that. To be stuck with me.”

His breath leaves him in a rush and he tilts my chin up towards him.

“Page,” he says. “I could spend an eternity talking with you.”

That sends me spiraling all over again, and I close my eyes, begging for a kiss…

“But that's not the whole story, is it?”

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