Page 144 of Hidden Echoes

I ride the wave of his release into my own, grinding down just right, chasing that delicious pressure coiling in my belly. My body tenses, my head falls back, and I cry out his name as it hits me—sharp, hot, blinding. My walls pulse around him, and he groans again, wrecked and worshipful, his hands finally clutching my hips like he needs to feel every spasm.

I collapse onto his chest, panting, our slick skin pressed together, tangled in sheets and sweat and heat.

His arms wrap around me instinctively, like I’m something precious. Like he’s afraid I’ll disappear.

I smile against his throat, feeling him pull me closer, like he’s trying to memorize every part of me.

And I let him.

For a minute.

But then the hunger hits.

Real, actual hunger.

Before he can trap me again in his warm limbs and sleepy kisses, I slip out of bed, bare feet hitting the cool floor as I stretch with a groan.

“Where are you going?” Zane murmurs, eyes barely open, voice hoarse and dazed.

I shoot him a lazy grin over my shoulder. “Waffles.”

His groan turns into a chuckle, soft and breathless. “You’re unbelievable.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” I say, already making my way to the kitchen.

By the time he follows me downstairs, I’ve got coffee ready and waffles. He leans against the counter, watching me with that steady, unreadable gaze of his.

"You look half-dead," he says, handing me a mug this time.

I take a sip, sighing dramatically. "Because I am."

Zane tilts his head. "Charlie said fresh air might help."

I groan. "Of course she did."

"She’s not wrong." He nudges my hip lightly. "You’ve been more tired lately."

"That’s kind of what narcolepsy is, little angel. Then again… it might just be the aftermath of getting thoroughly, deliciously ruined a few minutes ago."

He huffs a quiet laugh. "Yeah, but you’ve been worse. Sleeping weird hours, zoning out. She’s just worried."

I narrow my eyes at him. "You’re just worried."

Zane doesn’t deny it. He just shrugs, finishing his coffee.

I watch him for a moment, then sigh. "Fine. Let’s go for a walk, but if I get tired, you’re carrying me back."

"Wouldn’t be the first time."

I roll my eyes, but I can’t hide my smile.

We head outside, strolling side by side. The morning is fresh, the sky a cloudless blue, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees. The world feels still, untouched. I swing our intertwined hands, and Zane lets it happen, his fingers warm against mine.

And then—

I feel it.

A shift in the air. A tingle down my spine.

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