Page 47 of Cryptic Dreams

“Clearly.” My brow lifts as I pull a tiny wrench from the water tank.

I shift to the right a little so I can reach around to the back and turn it, but before I do, Wraith is gently gripping my biceps to keep me in place, his hands uncharacteristically warm on my arms, his mouth close to my ear.

“Watch the china, love. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to your adorable little feet, yeah?”

All the things are happening in my head, and in my heart, and in my body.

His hands are warm.

His breath is sweet.

He’s so close that if I were to turn just a little bit, I could kiss him.

He made sure I didn’t step in broken glass.

He said my feet are adorable.

He is definitely my mate, no use denying it when my vagina just turned into a water slide from such a simple touch.

And he...

Oh my god.

Oh my god!

Wraith is touching me. Skin to skin touching me.

And I’m not wearing anything except a tank top and shorts because I just woke up and he is touching my exposed skin with his exposed skin and... and... I don’t see anything. I seenothing, not one damn memory or flashback.

And when I look harder, close my eyes and try not to lean back into Wraith, all I end up seeing is his naked butt and that’s not his memory, it’smine.

“What is it, love?” He begins rubbing my arms and I swear to god it’s like he’s rubbing my clit but I try to ignore that and turn to face him. “What’s wrong, Zephyr?”

“I... ” I don’t have a fucking clue. So, I do the bravest thing I’ve ever done and reach up, cup his cheeks and push up on my toes so we’re closer to eye level. I stare into the rare obsidian as my gloveless hands hold his hot as hell face, and as my fingers dig slightly into his cheeks, I frown. “I don’t understand this.”

“My face?” Wraith frowns and moves his hands to my forearms. “You do not understand my face?”

I shake my head but don’t break my stare. “Yes. I mean, no, I don’t understand what’s happening while I touch your face.”

“Why?”

“Too much to explain.”

“Perhaps you should try.”

“Not right now.”

“Zephyr.” He sighs.

“Wraith.”

“Don’t get cheeky, now. I’m simply trying to follow the line of thinking that went from your clear disdain for me and my presence, to probing my face with your lovely fingers while neither of us has many clothes on.”

Immediately I attempt to let go, my anger flaring as Wraith continues to hold my arms. “Mydisdain foryou? You’re kidding, right?”

“Hardly. You’ve actively avoided me at every turn, admitted as much a couple weeks ago and until very recently, the only words we’ve exchanged have been forced pleasantries.”

“Because of you!” I snap. “Did you forget what happened in the alley? Forget everything you said to me, how you’ve treated me up until I was dying? I didn’t, Wraith. I didn’t forget one damn word just like you told me to and since you were so adamant on the impossibility of your mate being someone as weak and timid and worthless as me, I figured it was best to steer clear of your grouchy ass!”

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