Page 98 of The Lies of Bryn van Doren

“What are you doing here? You okay?”

Tentatively resting her hands against his abdomen, she asks, “Is it okay that I’m here? I really wanted to see you. Just for a minute.”

His grip in her hair tightens as his free hand takes hold of her waist, pulling her closer. “Are you okay?” he repeats.

It doesn’t go unnoticed how his question isn’t exactly confirmation her presence is welcome, but she decides to focus on the feel of his hands on her instead. “I have news.”

“What news?”

Pressing into him further, she balls her hands into fists and tells him, “I went to the dance studio this morning to meet with Miah, to show her a piece I’ve been working on. She really loved it. I taught it to her, and she helped me make it better.”

As she speaks, she watches as Khalohn’s gaze softens, growing warmer, causing a familiar ache in her chest—an ache she clings to as she presses on.

“She offered me a part-time job. She wants to take me on as one of her choreographers. The pay is hardly anything, but she says when I’m ready—she’ll take me on full-time.” Saying the words out loud for the first time is overwhelming. When her eyes fill with tears, it’s without warning; and as a knot forms in her throat, she has to swallow hard before she continues. “Khalohn, all I’ve ever really wanted to do is dance. This is like—the beginning of a dream come true. A dream I’d all but given up on. And it sucks so bad that my mom’s not here for this, but I’m so excited. I’m so excited, and I had to tell someone. I had to tell you.”

An almost imperceptible smile curls up the edges of Khalohn’s mouth, and Jessica stares, thankful there’s no beard under which he can hide the small movement of muscle. He stares, too, not saying anything at first. Silently, he extracts his hand from her hair and tenderly wipes away her tears. Molding his hand warmly against her cheek, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to her lips.

“You amaze me,” he mutters as he pulls away slightly.

Jessica doesn’t know what to say, so she simply moves her arms until they’re wrapped around his middle.

“Sounds like we should celebrate.”

“Really?” she breathes.

“If you’re up for it,” he says with a nod.

She considers his proposal. It seems odd to think of celebrating anything just a week after laying her mother to rest. But Jessica can’t deny she’s having agreatday. In her heart, she knows Beth would be happy for her. Even more, she’d be proud. If that’s not something to celebrate, she’s not sure what is.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m up for it.”

“Good. I’ll make reservations for eight.”

“’Kay,” she whispers. Tightening her grip around him, she presses up on her tiptoes and murmurs, “Looks like we’ll be renegotiating my lease agreement sooner than we thought.”

He chuckles, the sound deep and delicious, the smile that lights up his eyes mesmerizing. She stares at it, knowingthisis what she came for.

“Khal?”

“Hmm?” he hums, his fingers finding their way back into her hair.

“Thanks for giving me a minute.”

He tilts his head, lining up their lips as he mutters, “By my count, we’ve got five more.” His mouth grazes hers teasingly and then he promises, “I never want to be too busy for you, precious. Never.”

Jessica smiles until the tip of Khalohn’s tongue goes in search of hers. It’s not long before her arms are around his neck, her body flush with his—one of his hands in her hair, the other molded around her backside. As she gets lost in his kiss, she realizes she’s got her answer.

Yeah. It’s okay that I’m here.

Ten minutes later, as she heads to the elevator—Jessica makes no attempt to hide her swollen, pink lips. Feeling wildly confident, she even tosses a wink to the front desk receptionist on her way out.

One Year Later

Khalohn sits withhis back propped against the pillows, his legs folded beneath him, and his hard length buried inside of his woman. Jessica’s thighs hug his hips, her bare breasts are pressed against his chest, and her hands frame his face as she stares deep into his eyes. She grinds her hips down, whimpering softly—desperately. She feels perfect. Hot and wet. Tight and soft. He glides his hands down her smooth back, grazing her ass, then her hips, tracing his fingers along her thighs before starting all over again. All the while, she moves slowly. It’s the most beautiful form of torture.

“Khalohn,” she breathes, grinding against him again. She drags one of her hands from his cheek, until her fingers are pressed to his lips. He opens up and licks her fingertips. She moans and then dips her middle and ring finger into his mouth. He sucks them deep, watching as her eyes grow wide before her brown irises seem to catch fire. Her gaze drops and she frees another moan as she grinds her hips down harder. When she throws her head back and bucks against him with a new intensity, he wonders if it’s because of her fingers in his mouth—or the sight of the diamond he slid on her hand just a couple hours ago.

“I’m—I’m close,” she pants. “I didn’t—baby—I didn’t think I could come like this.”

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