Page 44 of Desperate Actions

I won’t let her do that. Not with me.

I squeeze her hand, drawing her closer. And then I kiss her.

Hard.

Fast.

Possessive.

She makes a small, startled sound, but melts against me in an instant.

I don’t let up, don’t let her overthink this.

I just take.

And when I pull back, breath ragged, voice gravel, I murmur, “I know you’re nervous, but I know how to take care of you. Believe me?”

Her gorgeous green eyes search mine, pale like new leaves, flecked with gold and ringed in a thin halo of blue.

A color I’ve never seen on anyone else.

Ethereal.

Unbelievable.

Mine.

The pause seems to freeze time, and I don’t even realize I am holding my breath until she speaks again.

“I believe you, Sammy.”

I exhale.

And something inside me clicks into place.

Something deep, unchangeable, unshakable.

Because this is it. We were always meant to be. And tonight?

I’m finally taking what’s mine.

“Come on.”

She walks beside me, docile as a lamb, her fingers tight in mine.

But Aella is not a lamb.

She’s a goddamn fairy.

MyPixie.

A creature too delicate, too magical for a place like this, for a man like me—but she’s here, and she’s mine, and I’ll keep her safe no matter the cost.

She has my full attention.

My body is buzzing with anticipation. Seven years is a long fucking time to abstain for a man like me.

But it was hardly a choice. More like a goddamn biological imperative.

---