Page 91 of Where Broken Wings Fly

“Maybe you should sleep on me more often.”

“I’m sure you want your bed back to yourself.”

His index finger traces the slope of my nose, a little crooked after years of being broken and reset by hand. There’s darkness swirling in his eyes, silent and deadly. A wild animal is begging to be set free.

“Hardly,” he rebukes. “I’ve never let anyone else sleep in this bed before.”

“What? Not even another woman?”

“Do I look like I’m the relationship type?”

I stifle a laugh. “I have no idea. You did a good job of being a hopeless romantic last night. I think there’s a smooth talker in there somewhere.”

“Are you teasing me, Willow?”

“Maybe I am.”

His chuckle is throaty. “I’ve kept my hands to myself, but don’t expect me to be a gentleman if you’re gonna be all cute and shit while naked in my bed.”

“Cute and shit?” I repeat.

“You heard me. I’m struggling to find a reason why I shouldn’t take advantage of this situation.”

Electricity zips down my spine, setting my body alight with anticipation. I should be terrified of being this close to another man, but after last night, I feel like I know Killian. He finally allowed himself to open up.

Tangling my fingers in his hair, I stroke the coarse strands. “Well, for starters, both of your cousins will hear us.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing,” he growls possessively. “I can’t stop thinking about your sweet, gorgeous body. I want another taste.”

His fingertips dance down my bare spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake. My leg is still hooked over him, adding to the tantalising pressure that’s building in my core. He rocks his erection into me again.

“Feel that?” he rasps. “That’s how much I want you.”

“I want you too.”

He searches my face. “I don’t want to even attempt to touch you again if you’re not ready. Especially after last night. This is all on your terms, not mine.”

I bite my lip. “I’m sorry that I freaked out.”

“Stop it. No apologies are allowed. It’s my fault for being an insensitive jackass.”

“You? Insensitive?”

“Ha bloody ha.” Killian smirks. “I’d only admit that to you.”

“Well, in that case, I’m honoured.”

“You should be. I don’t give a fuck about anyone else’s feelings.”

Snuggling closer to his chest, I kiss the carved lines of his collarbones, trailing my lips over his beard to reach his mouth. Killian captures me in a kiss, offering a taste of what my body is screaming out for.

He might not know the truth about my past, but last night was progress. The flash of sheer vulnerability on his face when I tried to leave was exactly what I wanted to see. His human side, beneath the bravado and defence mechanisms.

I can trust him now.

I’ve seen his true colours.

“Please,” I murmur against his lips.

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