Page 90 of When the Wicked Sing
She lifted a shoulder. “If you keep saying it without the follow-through, then you’ll force me to make a list.”
He laughed; the smile she loved so much spreading across his face.
Loved?Had she really just thought that?
Mariana’s heart pounded, the words hanging in the air between them, heavy with unspoken promises.
“Well, it sounds like I should save you the trouble.” His head came down close to hers.
He’s a distraction, some hidden voice in her head whispered.
Before his lips could close the distance, Mariana pulled out of his arms. A sharp pang of guilt twisted in her chest, breaking the spell. “I … I have to stay focused,” she murmured, more to herself than him. “If we lose control now …”
She met his sad gaze, searching for something to hold onto—some way to balance the desire that swirled between them with the harsh reality of their situation. She wanted to believe him, to believe that they could steal a moment from the chaos that surrounded them. The fear of what might come next was a dark cloud, threatening violence.
“The moment we give in,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the creaking of the ship and the rustle of the sails, “everything changes.”
Dax reached out and pulled her closer by the waist, one hand on the wheel, the other firm on her lower back.
“I’m not afraid of change. I’m afraid of losing you. I can’t stay away any longer.” His free hand left her waist to cup the back of her head. “And nothing is going to stop me from finally kissing you.”
Before she could say another word, Dax dipped his head, and their lips met. Electricity coursed through her at the connection, lighting her up.
Home, she thought as she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.
His tongue danced with hers, and her body began to hum with energy.
Dax lifted her into his arms, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he leaned her gently against the wheel. The wind swirled around them, cooling their heated skin.
Mariana couldn’t help moving her lips down his jaw, tasting his neck.
“What are you doing to me?” she heard him whisper, and her lips tilted up, kissing his neck again before biting gently. “You keep doing that, and we’re going to have a lot more explaining to do if we’re caught,” he said, pulling her face toward him and kissing her again, making her smile brightly.
“Who says we’re going to get caught?” she teased, pushing her hips into his.
“I do,” a male voice drawled lazily. Mariana dropped to her feet as Dax swung his head around to find a yawning Kosta.
“If you two are done fondling each other, I’d like to get back to steering duty. Assuming the wheel is clean …”
Mariana did her best to hide her blush, pulling away from Dax, who had a smug grin.
“It’s as clean as your hands are,” Dax replied, clapping his friend’s shoulder.
Mariana gripped the railing tight as Dax came up behind her, trapping her with his body. She internally groaned and bit her lip to keep from turning around and kissing him again.
“I’m going to go distract myself by grabbing some food, want anything?” he asked against her ear.
“Mm-mm,” she hummed, trying to keep herself calm and collected.
“You okay?” His hand ran up her arm. She’d taken off her long-sleeve shirt earlier as the sun began to heat the boat, but now she wished she’d kept it on. His touch did something to her, something she couldn’t explain.
“Go downstairs,” she ordered, pushing him away as she tried—and failed—to hide her smile.
Dax chuckled, walking away to say something to Kosta. Whatever the male replied made Dax bark out a laugh, but Mariana didn’t hear any of it. She was too focused on getting her body to stop humming.
Her magic was pulsing beneath her skin, begging for a release far more powerful than filling sails. And it scared the shit out of her.
She had to find a way to let it out, safely—glancing over her shoulder, she saw Kosta scanning the waves, humming softly—and without him noticing.
