Stories From the Shadowlands (31 page)

BOOK: Stories From the Shadowlands

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“Are you sure?”

My nose nudged against his. “It’s going to be about an hour until our romantic dinner is ready…”

His eyebrow arched. “Yes?”

“And I know I’m all bedraggled from the rain, and that today has been crazypants, but I want you.” I nipped at his bottom lip. “Not just because I could have lost you today. Because I’m ready.” I looked into his black-brown eyes. “Are you?”

“I’m ready.” He swallowed hard, his fingers spreading across my back. I could feel the heat of his touch against my spine, against my belly and chest. My hands settled on his rock-hard shoulders. I was incredibly aware of him… especially the fact that the only thing he was wearing on his magnificent body was a towel.

“Um. So… I guess we might need condoms,” I said, so glad I had refused to leave anything to chance.

His mouth twisted for a minute, and without letting me go, he snaked his other arm into the cramped bathroom and pulled something from the medicine cabinet. His hand emerged holding a small box of exactly what we needed. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said, looking a little worried. “I know we were going to go together, but I didn’t want to leave anything to chance.”

I started to laugh. Then I let him go and walked over to my bag, reached inside, and pulled out my own little box. “I guess we’re well-stocked.”

His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “Well, you know what we must do, then.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Yes?”

“I believe some brand comparison is in order.”

I cracked up, walking forward to dive into his arms again. He claimed my mouth with a possessive kiss. “Which should we try first?” I mumbled against his mouth as he steered me into his bedroom.

“I vote for whichever’s within reach.” He waved the box clutched in his hand. We were a clumsy, four-legged creature as we slowly moved toward the bed, our halting steps awkward but frantic. I didn’t want him to stop kissing me, but when he lifted my shirt, I allowed it. Only long enough to allow him to strip it off, though. A profound happiness coursed through my veins—
we made it, we’re here
,
we won
. Together.

Because this wasn’t impulsive. It wasn’t last minute. I trusted him, and he trusted me. We’d made our way here slowly, with wrong turns and missteps, countless long talks and a few long cries, many fits of giggles, and so, so many questions.
Does this feel good? What is this like for you? Do you like it when I…?
Malachi wasn’t the only one asking, either. We were both learning as we went, but I couldn’t think of a better partner.

I loved him so much. So freaking much.

I didn’t mind fighting through a day like today if he was by my side.

Especially if this was my reward. My fingers closed over the edge of the towel, and I tugged it from his body as we lowered ourselves onto his bed. Together, we undressed me with fumbling fingers trembling with eagerness. We kissed as fiercely as we fought. Our hands followed already-forged paths, ready to blaze new ones. I wanted to explore everything with him.

He propped himself on an elbow above me. “There were times I wasn’t sure we were going to get here.”

I laid my palm on his chest. “Ever?”

He shrugged, causing the scar on his shoulder to wink silver in the low light from the hallway. “It’s a kind of miracle, if you think about it.” He lowered his head and began to nibble my neck. “But I have enjoyed the process.”

I moaned, arching up to feel him against me. “Thank you. For being with me.”

He stroked my tangled, still-damp hair back from my face. “We’ve been together for a while now, Lela. You know I feel nothing but honored to be at your side.” He grinned, mischievous and sexy. “Or wherever you prefer.”

I ran my palms over his muscular back and slid my leg around his, bringing him closer. The sensation of our bare skin colliding made me shiver with want. “I don’t know what I prefer yet. We’ll have to figure it out together.”

He raised his head and sent his gaze meandering down my body, lingering appreciatively in a few places. Then he brushed his lips over mine as his hand followed the same path, sending tingles of excitement coursing along my limbs. “Yes, ma’am.”

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