Page 166 of Sage Haven
Not teasing.
Real.
And something inside me stilled.
Because when he said it, I believed him.
My heart thudded against my ribs as I answered him without thinking—without hesitating—with my lips.
My hands tangled in his hair as I kissed him.
Slow. Fierce and demanding.
And for a moment, he let me take control.
Just long enough to taste victory.
Before he took it back.
His hands slid up my body—slow, deliberate—until they found my throat. His fingers curled there, firm but gentle, holding me in place. Keeping me on my toes. Literally.
“You’re so damn greedy,” he murmured. His lips grazed mine, feather-light, before he pulled away just enough to leave me wanting.
I made a sound—half protest, half plea—and he chuckled.
“Be patient, wildflower.” His fingers flexed. “And you’ll get what you want.”
He kissed me then. Hard. Consuming.
Until I was dizzy.
Until I was so lost in him that I could barely stand.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead pressed to mine, his breath ragged. “You’re going to destroy me,” he whispered.
My pulse stuttered as I cupped his cheek, whispering, “Then let me.”
I didn’t know who moved first.
Our lips met again and that was all that matter. Until he broke the kiss and rested his hands on my waist, steadying me. Grounding me.
“Sage,” he said quietly. “Sam’s been worried.”
The world shifted, as he continued, “She went looking for you.”
I drew back, breath catching.
“She doesn’t know everything,” Reich added. “She only knows you’re here because someone tried to go after you.”
I swallowed hard.
Why hadn’t he told her everything?
“You didn’t tell her—?”
“It’s not my story to tell,” he said simply.
The words sank in and something in me unclenched.
