Page 146 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Are you okay?" he murmurs against my hair.
I nod, not trusting my voice just yet. My body still tingles with aftershocks, my pulse gradually slowing.
I sigh contentedly as Kade holds me close, his strong arms wrapped around me. The tension from earlier has melted away. I feel safe here with him, despite everything that's happened.
Kade adjusts the temperature of the shower, making the water warmer. He grabs a bottle of soap and pours some into his hand.
"Let me," he murmurs.
His touch is surprisingly gentle as he begins to wash me. His calloused hands glide over my skin, leaving trails of soap bubbles in their wake.
There's an almost reverent quality to his movements, like he's memorizing every curve and plane of my body. I tremble under his tender ministrations, my oversensitized skin responding to even this light touch.
When he's finished, I take the soap from him. "My turn," I say softly.
I run my hands over his muscular chest and arms, marveling at the strength coiled beneath his skin. My fingers trace old scars, silently asking questions I'm not sure I want the answers to.
Kade remains still under my ministrations, his eyes never leaving my face. The intensity of his gaze makes my cheeks flush with heat.
Suddenly, voices echo from outside the shower room. My eyes widen in alarm.
Before I can react, Kade bellows, "Go away!"
He moves swiftly, pressing me against the tiled wall and covering my body with his own. The possessive gesture sends a thrill through me. My heart races at the thought of being discovered, and I'm surprised that it's not just embarrassment but also excitement flooding through me.
"I swear, I'll have to kill them or at least gouge their eyes out if anyone sees you naked," Kade growls, his lips brushing my ear.
A surprised laugh escapes me. "You would, wouldn't you?"
Kade pulls back slightly, his intense gaze locking onto mine.
"Without hesitation," he confirms, his voice deadly serious.
My breath catches at the fierce protectiveness in his eyes. This man, who can be so ruthless and deadly, treats me with such care and tenderness. The contrast is dizzying. My stomach flutters with something that feels dangerously close to... love?
I reach up, cupping his face in my hands. "Kiss me," I whisper.
Kade obliges, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that makes my toes curl. As I melt into him, I know with absolute certainty that I'm falling hard for this complicated, dangerous man.
Falling? No, I've fallen. And he's mine.
The realization hits me like the rush—terrifying and exhilarating all at once. My heart hammers against my ribs as I break the kiss, needing him to know.
"I love you," I whisper against his lips, the words spilling out before I can overthink them. "God, Kade, I fucking love you."
His body goes completely still under my hands, those intense blue eyes searching mine for any hint of reservation. I hold his gaze, letting him see the truth.
"I know it's fast and maybe insane considering everything, but I'm not running from this anymore. I love you. The man who'd kill anyone who hurt me but treats me like I'm something precious."
Something raw and vulnerable flashes across Kade's face. His grip on me tightens.
"Say it again," he demands, his voice rough.
"I love you."
A dangerous smile spreads slowly across his face. "Good," he murmurs, pressing his forehead to mine. "Because I meant it when I said I loved you. You're mine now, Bennett. And I'm never letting you go."
forty-three
