Page 131 of Seeking Hades' Ember

"I will have you, I wanted you before the bond, and now I can have you after. I chose you before the bond chose us. As long as you don't ever break my heart," Tamera whispered as her nose went into my neck. I growled.

"I would do no such thing." My voice rumbled in my chest. "Anyone that dares to hurt you will have a death wish. And I know people who specialize in torturing." Tamera laughed as her grip became impossibly tight. We held each other for hours. Breathing each other's scent, touching each other's hair, talking, listening. It was far more intimate than that I ever could imagine. It was something we both needed to mend our hearts, so they were no longer broken. Thanks to the fates, we both had been healed.

Tracing my calloused finger around her jaw, I dared to do the unthinkable. I leaned in closer, only halfway to give her the space if she so desired. To my surprise, she leaned forward and planted her puffy lips on mine. My hands wrapped around her back while hers dug into my hair; I moaned in her lips.

This kiss would be written down for all the gods in history. I poured my love into her mouth as she drank it willingly. Gulping it down to give her life and hope. To fill her empty heart. Her skin instantly brightened as we stopped to catch our breath. She no longer looked like the broken woman I met just a week ago.

"I know you have been wronged before, beautiful. I will wait to solidify our bond until you are ready."

Tamera twiddled her fingers and thought contemplatively. "Thank you," she whispered. "But I… it sounds strange, but I feel closer to you than I ever did with Santos."

"Because we spent time together, we fell for each other without a bond. Bonds are blessings, and it enhances our love. Makes us stronger, dependent on each other, and so much more." Tamera smiled, and a blush tainted her cheeks. A playful smile greeted me.

"Then, do you want to go back to my place?" She winked as her hand rubbed the top of mine.

"Is that code for something?" Tamera winked again as she pulled my arm from my chair.

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