Page 26 of A Cursed Heart
“The gem’s hidden, okay?” I nodded, grateful he’d thought to do that so quickly. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom for you. I left it on the counter. Need me to show you how anything works?”
“Could you show me the shower in the morning, please?” I asked, suddenly desperate for the feel of hot water sluicing over my body. It could wait. Ryan’s needs came first. “You are tired, so I would like to brush my teeth and go to sleep now.”
Truthfully, I was starting to feel a little worn around the edges without my magic to increase my stamina. There was so little of my magic left I feared we could be left vulnerable if Salvatore figured out Ryan had the heart ruby. While I thought I had enough if we were attacked, I felt so out of my depth here, it was possible I was wrong. I couldn’t afford for anything to happen to Ryan. It made me anxious to think of it.
I quickly cleaned my teeth and rejoined Ryan in the bedroom. He looked distinctly uncomfortable in the bed. There was a bunched up blanket separating the two sides.
“Ryan, I would never touch you if you did not welcome it.” I sat on the edge of the bed near him. “Please forgive my teasing. While sex is useful for replenishing my magic, being in my true form and taking in the ambient magic already in the air will help. I can even do it in this form, though it is slower by far, which is why I did not mention it before.”
He sighed and relaxed somewhat. “Alright. Get in bed, okay? And don’t go over the line.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
We both wriggled in the bed, getting comfortable. Neither of us spoke, but the air lacked the tension that had been there before. I wished to let my demon form out, but until Lydia and Freya knew about me, I had to keep that side locked down while they were in the apartment. I thought I would struggle to fall asleep, yet with Ryan’s deep breathing next to me, I soon drifted off.
In the night, it was Ryan who moved first. I woke when he tossed his arm over my chest. By morning, he was tucked up against my back, his face in the crook of my neck. He felt perfect against me. Like he belonged there.
His proximity was electrifying, filling the well of my magic as swiftly as any kiss could.
