Page 58 of The Bound Blood
“Obviously,” he says with a mock bow.
But I don’t miss the way Auron’s eyes flicker—not quite pride or relief—as he takes in my reaction. Like maybe…that was all he needed. Not thanks, just acknowledgement that he did something good.
Nolan’s fingers flex gently at my waist. “You look like you are somewhere else. Are you good?”
I blink, dragging my attention back to him. “Yeah. Just…readjusting the chess board in my head.”
Auron smirks. “Make sure you keep me as the King to your Queen.”
I flip him off. He grins wider. Then he turns and strides off, his coat snapping dramatically behind him.
An exit Draco Malfoy would be proud of.
TWENTY-FOUR
NOLAN
As soon asAuron disappears down the hall, her fingers hook in my shirt again, tugging me close like she can’t get enough. And stars help me—I don’t want to pull away. Not even a little. I give in and kiss her back, my body reacting embarrassingly fast since the appearance of Auron had poured cold water all over my arousal.
I kiss her for what feels like seconds and hours all mixed into one. I don’t want to stop. But I do.
I ease back just enough to breathe, just enough to stop myself from doing something reckless. Something fast. Something that might make her think she’s just another girl I’ve kissed in a dark hallway—which is laughable, because she’s the only girl I’veeverkissed in a dark hallway. Or anywhere.
“Linds…” My voice catches in my throat. She’s still watching me, pupils blown wide, lips kiss-damp and parted like she’s waiting for me to just sayscrew itand go back in for another taste of her sweet lips.
But I can’t.
“We’re, um—we’re kind ofout in the open,” I say, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose, my voice cracking halfway through like a freshman all over again. “Not that I don’t want to—Ido. You’re…you’re incredible, and I keep thinking about our last kiss and this—and now—and I just?—”
Her brows lift. I want to sink through the floor.
“I’ve never… donethisbefore. Not—like—thisthis.” I gesture vaguely between us, heat climbing my neck so fast it has to be visible. Great way to say I’ve only pleasured myself. Stars, I’m such a nerd.
There’s a beat of silence.
Then she smiles, a soft curve of her lips that has my heart beating faster.
“You’re blushing,” she says.
“Of course I’m blushing,” I groan, scrubbing a hand down my face. “I’m basically a cautionary tale of what happens when you spend too much time in the library and not enough time at parties.”
“Nolan.” She steps into my space again, gentler this time, one hand brushing along the edge of my jaw. “It’s okay.”
“I just… I don’t want to mess this up. You’re not… you’re not a fling. Or a reaction to almost dying. You’reyou. And I want to get it right.”
She kisses my cheek, so close to my mouth I almost forget to breathe.
“You already are. You’re perfect, just as you are.”
Her fingers linger at my jaw like shefeelshow wrecked I am inside. Like she can sense the pulse pounding in my throat. Like she already knows I’m one wrong move from bolting—not because I want to leave, but because staying meansfeeling everythingI’ve tried so hard to compartmentalize.
“I’m not trying to rush you,” she says. “I just—after everything that happened, I think I needed to remember that I’m still here. Still me. Still allowed to want things.”
She bites her lip, and I swear I feel it in my bones.
“I wantyou, Nolan. Not because it’s convenient or because you helped save me or because we are part of some prophecy. I want you because you see me. You always have.”
My heart stutters.
