Page 9 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Every instinct within me longs to shield and protect her from anything that frightens her. But other instincts—stronger, primal—flare dangerously to life at her closeness, as her sweet scent of honeysuckle and lavender floods my senses.
I swallow hard, trying to control my breathing, terrified she’ll sense how strongly I desire her. Guilt claws at me. She came here for comfort, not this… not the burning need that consumes me whenever she’s near.
“Of course,” I barely manage through my longing.
She molds herself against me, so soft and trusting.
My body aches with want as I resist the urge to run my hands over her petal-soft skin, to map every line and sensuous curve of her body with the tips of my fingers. I force myself to remain still, my heart slamming against my ribs as I desperately try not to ruin our friendship.
“Will you wake me if I have a bad dream?”
“Yes,” I whisper. Protective instincts surge through me. “You’re safe now, Auri. I’d die before I’d allow anything to harm you.”
The words slip free before I can stop them, raw and reckless, and I hold her tighter to keep from taking them back.
After a while her breathing becomes soft and even, her heartbeat calm and steady against my chest. She drifts into peaceful sleep as I lie awake, caught between the paradise of holding her and the torture of wanting far more between us.
Gently, I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear as I gaze at her lovely face. “You have no idea what you do to me, mysavryl,” I whisper softly. “Every time you smile, I forget how to breathe.”
She stirs faintly in my arms, but her eyes remain closed.
Hours pass before an orange and yellow glow spreads along the horizon, heralding the coming dawn. Carefully, I lift her into my arms, cradling her to my chest.
Still asleep, she curls deeper into my embrace.
Spreading my wings, I fly her back to her cottage. Noticing the faint glow of red magic lining her bedroom window, I quietly slip in through the back door, and carry her to her room. Gently I set her on the bed, and tuck the blankets up around her shoulders to ensure she is warm.
When I go back outside, I take up my familiar post, high in the tree outside her window, waiting for several minutes, listening for any sounds of distress.
Although I know she’s safely inside, I cannot ignore the primal instinct to protect her… to watch over the cottage and make sure she’s all right.
After a while, I finally force myself to leave.
My chest aches fiercely with longing. I crave Aurora with every breath, every beat of my heart. I long to claim her… to take her as my mate. But I’m not sure she wants me in return.
If I declare my feelings and she rejects me, I’m not sure I’ll ever recover.
She came to me for comfort, and I’ll give her that for as long as she’ll have me… even if she never chooses to be mine.
CHAPTER 5
AURORA
My heart flutters, warmth curling through me as I allow myself to enjoy my dream. It’s one I’ve had many times before, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I enjoy the nights that it comes to me.
I’m wrapped securely in Thalric’s powerful embrace as his molten gold eyes stare deep into mine, emotions swirling thick and unspoken between us.
My breath catches, heart racing as I press my hand against the strong, solid wall of his chest. His muscles tense beneath my fingers, heat radiating from his body.
“Thalric,” I whisper. “Kiss me.”
His eyes darken as he envelops me in his leathery wings. He leans closer, his gaze never leaving mine as he cups my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin.
“Aurora,” he murmurs, voice rough. “I’ve waited so long for this.”
My breath shudders as warmth pools low in my belly.
His gaze drops to my lips, full of hunger, before he closes the small distance between us, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss.
