Page 39 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

I bolted, narrowly escaping his grasp. Laughter erupted from deep in my belly as I weaved through the trees. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had so much fun.

Lu was right behind me. He reached for my shoulders, catching me off guard and spinning me around—only to trip on a root, knocking us both to the ground with a thud.

He landed on top of me, his face mere centimeters from my own. “I’m so sorry—are you okay?” he asked, nervously brushing the hair from my face, inspecting me for injuries.

“I’m fine,” I giggled, breathless. “Better, now that you’ve caught me.” Before I could second-guess it, I lifted my head and kissed him. The heady scent of his musk, mixed with the dried leaves of the forest floor, roused my carnal desires.

He kissed me back—hard. Warmth spread through me as I parted my lips, letting his tongue slide into my mouth. It was tender yet possessive, and it ignited sparks within me. I slid my hands into his hair, gripping his head to mine, eliciting a low growl deep within his chest. I didn’t want it to end. His lips were soft, yet firm, his tongue gentle, yet demanding.

Lu’s hands roamed my body with a desperate need. Palming my breast through my dress, drawing a soft moan from my lips. My body was alive with nervous energy and I wanted more.

“I need to touch you,” he groaned, pulling at the edges of my clothing. His rough hands explored the delicate curve of my waist, sending a shiver down my spine.

Wetness pooled between my legs, and I shamelessly ground against him seeking friction. I could feel his own excitement pressed firmly against my thigh. As though he could read my mind, Lu began to explore further down my waist, gliding over my dress and finding that sweet spot between my legs.

I couldn’t believe this was really happening. I’d all but forgotten we were lying on the forest floor. Butterflies bloomed in my belly, and I fought my body’s urge to tremble. I spread my legs, giving him silent consent to continue.

Lu gently stroked my core, stoking the fire blazing within. “No one has ever made me feel this way,” I confessed through panted breaths.

Lu stopped abruptly, pulling in a large breath. “This can’t happen here. In the middle of Thornwyn Forest, on the ground. Michaela, I’m… I’m so sorry.” He quickly sat up, brushing the dead leaves from his clothes.

Embarrassment consumed me. Did I do something wrong? I had never been with a man before. While my friends were out messing around with boys and going to clubs, I was either in the hospital or recovering at home. Chemo chic wasn’t exactly a desirable look. My dating history was non existent. Maybe I wasn’t any good at it?

“Lu… Was I?—?”

“Michaela.” He reached for my chin, gently turning my face to him. “I want nothing more than to take you right here, right now. But you deserve better than a quick rut in the dirt. I won’t defile your virtue.”

“Is it that obvious?” I asked, dreading his answer.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean?”

“My virtue. You mean my virginity, right? My inexperience?” I rubbed my hand down my face, trying to wipe the embarrassment away.

His gaze softened. “I didn’t realize you were a virgin. Please, forgive my forwardness. I never would have—You did nothing wrong. In fact, you did everything right.” He glanced down to his obvious erection, adjusting himself. “I’m glad I stopped. Michaela, your first time should be special. Not a lust-fueled quickie. You are everything I could ever desire in a woman. When that time comes, it’ll be perfect, simply because it’s with you.”

“You really want that… with me?”

“There’s nothing I want more.”

I couldn’t help the smile spreading across my face with his confession.

“I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you—through your window. The night I brought your sister back from Neverland.”

“But I was on my deathbed?” My face scrunched up. I was literally on hospice when Gwen came home. “Lu, that’s weird.”

“It only seems weird because you don’t understand how being fated works.”

“You’re right. I don’t.”

He took a deep breath. “Do you feel an unexplainable pull… no that’s not the right way to describe it.” He reached for my hand. “When we life-bind, do you feel a connection?”

“I feel the transfer of power, yes.”

“It goes deeper than that. I don’t know exactly how to explain it other than just saying it. Michaela, life-binding is only possible with… fated mates.”

There was that word again. I had asked Luca to explain it to me once and that only led to more confusion and a lusty encounter. “Fated mates?”

“Yes. You and I are?—”

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