Page 343 of Once Upon a Fable

“He loves you so much,” I groaned, pinching her nipple, fondling her. “And I took you away from him.”

“Who? Josh?” Her back arched, gifting up more of her flesh. “He’s my brother. He’s biologically programmed to love me.”

“He’d murder me if he knew what I’ve done to you.” I captured her mouth in a fierce, viscous kiss.

She moaned as I dropped my hand down her front, cupping between her legs. Her hazel eyes darkened to golden brown. “When you meet him, I’ll promise to protect you from his wrath.”

I kissed her again.

I kissed her with tongue and teeth and pain. So much fucking pain because she still thought this was our beginning when I knew different.

This was our end.

This was all we could ever have.

I’d been selfish long enough, and it was time to fix everything I’d done wrong.

I would let her go.

She’d go back to her loved ones.

And then, I would let the winter come.

I wouldn’t bother planting vegetables. I wouldn’t hunt. I wouldn’t gather.

I would just wait.

And I would be grateful as the snow finally ended my misery.

Ripping my mouth from hers, I latched my teeth onto her neck. Deep and unapologetic, completely uncontrolled as primal instincts overrode the shreds of my humanity.

I wanted her to run, but I also wanted her to spread her legs.

I wanted her to say yes and no.

I wanted so many contradictory things. The two sides of me tugged in opposite ends of a war I couldn’t keep fighting. The protector and the damned, the lover and the nightmare.

Her hands landed in my hair, dragging my head back up as her mouth sought mine.

She willingly kissed me.

She inched me closer to the edge.

Our teeth clacked and tongues slashed, reaching dangerous levels.

I felt it.

The blackness teasing my mind. Memories gathering with tar and oil.

“Gem...” I choked on a growl. “I don’t...I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”

She inhaled, harsh and quick. “You’re not hurting me, Kas.” She nipped at my bottom lip. “Kiss me. Stop fighting what you feel and give in.”

Christ, that was what I was trying so hardnotto do.

If I gave in, who knew if she’d be breathing after. Who knew if I’d—

“Kiss me,” she moaned, her leg latching around my hip, rocking her pussy against my achingly hard cock. Fissures of desire shot through me. Lust exploded in my blood.