Page 59 of Radiant Exception
And when she told me she was ready to give us a real shot, my heart soared, but I wouldn’t allow myself to celebrate yet. She was likely in shock, and definitely coming off of being drugged. It wouldn’t be right of me to make any assumptions so quickly after she’d been through such a traumatic event. I’d give her whatever time she needed to make sure she truly meant what she’d said.
I worked to calm my breathing as I carried her through the trafficker’s ship and back toward the safety and familiarity of theRadiant. While my mind had come through the other side of the panic attack, my body was still catching up. Frankly, I was having a hard time believing she was in my arms.
“Vaughn, you can put me down,” Lark said again, her voice still soft as she tugged at the front of my uniform to get my attention.
I wasn’t ready to let her go.
“No,” I refused.
She sighed in defeat, slumping against me, maybe realizing at that point I was keeping her close for my sake, not hers.
“I’m okay,” Lark offered quietly.
I gave her an incredulous stare. “You were drugged and kidnapped,” I reminded her.
The moment I stepped foot back onto my ship, I felt my shoulders relax slightly. Lark must have noticed the difference as well. “Vaughn, let me down,” she beseeched.
With a grumble, I slowly guided her to the floor, only releasing her when I was sure she could stand on her own, but she was quick to take my hand in hers. The thought that she couldn’t bear to be separated from me filled me with hope.
“Vaughn…” She placed her palm over my chest, her eyes searching mine. “Your heart is racing.”
“I could have lost you,” I choked out.
“I know.” She frowned.
My chest began to rise and fall more quickly than it should have. Panic set in as I began to feel the telltale tingle of my extremities and the black edges invading my vision. My hearing would go next.
“Vaughn.” Lark placed her hands on my cheeks. “I’m right here. It’s okay,” she reassured me.
I met her gaze. The prolonged eye contact was uncomfortable after a moment—too intimate, but I pushedthrough.
“I’m okay,” she repeated. “You’re okay.”
I nodded slowly; her words sounded so far away, but they rang true.
“Breathe with me,” she commanded, taking exaggerated inhales and exhales so I could follow along.
That Lark understood what was happening, let alone knew how to work me through it, was enough in itself. But what meant so much more was that there wasn’t even a hint of judgment or pity in her expression—simply determination and concern.
As I followed her lead, I scanned every bit of her, committing her to memory. Her messy curls were still tucked in a bun at the top of her head, but more strands than usual had come loose from the tie and haloed her face, which was pale and drawn. Even still, her eyes sparkled as she guided me through the dregs of my panic attack.
I was in love with Lark, my voracious little troublemaker. That much was painfully clear to me. If my affections were not returned, I would be respectful, but I had a sinking feeling I would spend the rest of my days dreaming of this blue-eyed siren who had lured me in from the very first moment, igniting a long-dormant flame that I hadn’t even realized was still smoldering inside me.
It was terrifying how much I needed her, and worse, how much I wanted her. My life—my heart—was firmly in her hands. I could only hope she would treat them kindly.
Slowly, the sounds of the ship returned to my periphery, the black edges receded, and I could feel the solid state of my body, rather than the numbness I often sank into during a panic attack.
Observing the change in my demeanor, Lark ran her fingers through my hair, a small smile playing on her lips. “Better?” she asked.
Rather than responding with words, I leaned down, pulling her in for a kiss, claiming her mouth with mine, parting her lips with my tongue, and silently communicating my gratitude. She melted into my hold, a soft moan escaping and going straight to my cock as I deepened the kiss.
There was no doubt, this woman would be the end of me, one way or another.
My comm crackled. “We’re ready to go, Captain.”
Reluctantly, I pulled away from Lark.
The dazed look on her face, wet and puffy lips, was a sight to behold. Knowing I could knock her a little off-kilter, like she had done to me instantaneously, gave me a sense of smug satisfaction.
