Page 53 of Aries

The words hang in the air, almost too momentous to comprehend. After everything—the death sentence, the weeks of trials, the constant danger—it’s over. He’s free. We’re free.

“And us?” I manage, my voice catching. “The bond we formed for the trials…”

“Is yours to maintain or release as you choose,” they respond. “What you build with that opportunity belongs to you alone.”

Aries’ eyes meet mine, holding a question I answer without hesitation.

“I choose to maintain it,” I tell him, speaking to him rather than the Committee. “Every day, every moment,I choose you.”

“As I choose you,” he responds, his voice grave with emotion. “Now and always.”

The Committee withdraws, leaving us standing in theempty basin, our hands still joined. The moment stretches, heavy with possibility now that all restrictions have been lifted.

“Can I…” His free hand rises again, hovering near my face. “After all this time…”

“Yes,” I breathe, the single wordbarely audible.

His fingertips touch my cheek with reverence, the simple contact after months of careful distance sending shivers dancing in waves throughout my body. His palm curves against my skin as if made to fit there, and I can’t stop myself from leaning into his touch.

“Callie.” My name emerges with such adoration. His thumb traces the curve of my cheekbone with wonder, as if he can’t quite believe he’s permitted to touch me freely.

“More,” I urge, my own hands rising to frame his face, tracing the line of his jaw, the curve of his horns, all the features I’ve spent monthsmemorizing from a careful distance.

His forehead presses against mine, mirroring our morning ritual, but now without rules or barriers between us. His breath mingles with mine, his hands sliding to my shoulders, then my waist, drawing me closer with exquisite gentleness.

“I’ve dreamed of this,” he murmurs, his voice thick with restrained desire. “Every night since the storm.” He pauses, then adds, “No. For years before that.”

“Show me,” I challenge softly, my fingers tracing the curve of his horns. “Show me everything you’ve been holding back.”

His lips brush mine—barely a touch, a question more than a kiss. When I respond by pressing closer, all hesitation dissolves.

Chapter Thirty-One

Aries

The cottage door closes behind us with a soft click, and suddenly the air between us crackles with electric tension. Afterlunarsof careful distance, of stolen glances and whispered confessions during storms, we’re finally completely alone with no rules between us.

Callie stands before me, her chest rising and falling rapidly, those flame earrings catching the lamplight. Her pupils are already dilated with want, and I can smell her arousal—sweet and intoxicating, the scent that’s tortured me through countless nights separated by that inadequate barrier pillow.

“No more counting inches,” she breathes, her voice husky with need.

“No more barriers,” I agree, my own voice rough as gravel. “No more pretending I don’t want todevourevery inch of you.”

She takes a step toward me, deliberate and hungry. “During the storm,” she says, “when we could only use words… you promised me things, Aries. You painted pictures with your voice that kept me awake,achingfor you.”

My hands clench at my sides, fighting the urge to grab her. “I remember every word,” I growl. “Every fantasy I whispered to you while we lay there burning for each other.”

“Then stop talking,” she challenges, closing the remaining distance between us, “and show me.”

Something snaps inside me at her words.Lunarsof careful control, of denied desire, of watching her body move within the confines of this small space while forbidden to touch—it all explodes into desperate need.

I’m on her in an instant, my hands fisting in her hair as I claim her mouth with fiveannumsof suppressed hunger. She moans into the kiss, her body melting against mine as her hands claw at my ceremonial robes. The sound goes straight to my cock, already hard and aching for her.

“I’ve dreamed of your mouth,” I rasp against her lips between desperate kisses. “Of how you’d taste when I could finally have you properly. Of making you scream my name until your voice goes hoarse.”

“Then do it,” she pants, already working frantically at my robe fastenings. “I’m so tired of dreaming, Aries. I need you to make me feel everything you promised.”

Her fingers brush against my chest as she pushes the fabric away, and I nearly come undone from that simple contact. “Careful, sweet Callie,” I warn, my voice dropping to a dangerous rumble. “I’ve been holding back for so long, I might not be gentle.”

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