Page 102 of Savage Desire

He rubs at the back of his neck as another sigh parts his lips. “The chalice used to create the curse.”

My eyes widen in surprise. “Wow.”

I don’t know what to make of it, but there’s a certainty in his eyes, one I’ve seen before, one that confirms he’s taking the bargain.

“Help us,” he breathes, confirming my thoughts.

“You’re serious,” I murmur, my pulse thundering in my ears as I try to keep my head above water. Just when I think I have a handle on this world, something else pops up.

“Humor isn’t my strong suit, so serious it is,” he replies with a ghost of a smile as he rocks back on his heels. “So, what do you say?”

I don’t think. For once, I allow myself the vulnerability that comes with the truths he’s just shared, and offer him one of my own.

“I’ll try, but… don’t leave. Stay the night.”

36

ASHER

Stay the night.

Three words and I was putty in her hands.

We talked. One hour rolled into another, then another, and another. I had Minnie bring us some food, refusing to pop the bubble we were in. I told her about our plan, she had a million questions, and every single one of them made me hotter for her.

She’s intoxicating.

She’s fierce.

She’s mine.

For the first time in my life, I’m not completely consumed by the shadows that follow me. There’s a beacon of light, luring me closer, and every step I take brings me an inch closer to her. She doesn’t deserve the darkness that comes with me, she’s been beaten down enough, but fuck if I’m going to walk away from this. She’s safer at my side than anywhere else, at least, that’s what I’m telling myself. The Crow’s second move has been played, our only option is to oblige. It’s not a question of if, only when.

I might not know exactly whatthisis yet, but it feels like I can breathe for the first time since my father passed. That means something to me. It meanseverythingto me. I’m just gratefulshe let me stay the night so I didn’t have to sleep outside of her room instead. That was the plan, the one I decided on as I walked her back to her dorm, one I was more determined to follow through on when I saw my uncle’s gift awaiting her. Then she uttered those three words and I’ve been lost in her ever since.

I may not have earned her total forgiveness yet, but I feel like I’m on the right track for it, and although I know why I need it so desperately, admitting it to myself, nevermind out loud, is more than I’m prepared to handle.

She fell asleep in my arms, something I’ve never done with anyone before, and I can’t imagine I’ll ever fall asleep without her by my side again.

Now, as the sun rises, the glow peeking through the gap in her curtains, I’m even more obsessed with her than before. Her silver hair splays across the pillows as she lies on her side, hand tucked beneath her cheek. Her chest rises and falls softly with every breath she takes, and for a rare moment I get a glimpse of her soft curves without the usual tremor of pain and fear that racks her body.

I could watch her sleep forever, but the need to hear her sassy mouth has me running my fingertip over her cheek. She doesn’t stir, not even a little. We don’t have long before we need to head out and put the plan into motion, but first, I want a taste of the woman that consumes my every breath.

Trailing my finger from her cheek, I drag it over her jaw, down the column of her neck, before dusting over her collarbone. She shifts slightly, but remains asleep.

A grin spreads across my face. This is going to be fun.

I tug the sheet off her body to reveal her tank top and panties that she fell asleep in and my mouth starts to water. Running my finger down between her breasts, I feel her tense when I reach her stomach before teasing the waistband of her panties.

Her eyebrows gather for a second and she rolls onto her back, almost inviting me. I shuffle to kneel between her legs, edging down the bed far enough so my face is in line with her core.

I want her, which means I want her panties gone.

With my eyes still fixed on her, I press my lips to the soft fabric, right where her clit should be hiding beneath the material. I repeat the motion, a little more pressure this time, and she squirms slightly, the soft exhale from her lips spurring me on.

This time, I press the pad of my tongue against the innocent fabric before running my teeth over her pussy, and a shiver ripples through her limbs from head to toe. Her eyelids flicker, just an inch, but it’s enough for me to have her attention. The tiniest glimpse of baby blues glance down at me, her eyes still heavily hooded.

“I’m hungry, Silver,” I rasp, and her eyebrows furrow as she glances at the window, the hint of light confirming the morning is upon us.

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