Page 12 of Rehabilitated
My cheeks heat. “They don’t quite fit.”
“Not even a little, but don’t worry, we’ll fix that.”
He opens the front door, and anxiety slams into me. I freeze. I can’t make myself move. Cold floods my body. I take a shaky breath as tears fill my eyes.
Russo is instantly at my side. “Whoa! Ever, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t—I don’t think I can go outside. I’m so sorry.”
He kicks the door shut, smoothing his hands up and down my arms. “It’s okay.”
“What if they find me?” I wheeze. “They’ll make me go back. They’ll make sure I never get out this time. I’ll be trapped. Again.”
“Easy, Ever. It’s okay. They’re not here. There’s been no sign of them in town. You’re safe.” Russo tugs me against his chest. “I’ve got you.”
I’m hyperventilating, trying to inhale a deep breath. I inhale Russo’s pine scent, closing my eyes as he wraps his body around mine like a shield.
“I promise, Ever, that won’t happen. I won’t let them take you.”
“They could—”
“If by some miracle they do get you,” he cuts me off, “I’ll come for you. I’ll always come for you. I’ll get you out of there.”
I know he’s telling the truth. I can hear it in his voice. Feel it in my bones. He’s like one of the warriors in my books. My savior. My protector.
My forever.
It’s crazy, but I know it with a certainty I’ve never felt before, even though I’ve only known him for a short time.
Russo pulls back to look at me. “Ever—”
Before I can overthink it, I rise onto my tiptoes and press my lips against his. The kiss is soft, hesitant. I’ve never kissed anyone before, never thought I would.
My fingers curl into the front of his shirt as I linger for one perfect second, soaking in the warmth of his lips and the surprised sound that rumbles deep in his chest.
I pull back quickly, thinking I did something wrong. “Oh! I’m sorry. I don’t know why I—”
A deep growl vibrates through the room. Before I can apologize again, Russo’s hands are on my waist. With one smooth movement, he backs me against the front door.
The wood presses against my back as he cages me in with his large body, one hand braced beside my head while the other cups my cheek.
His eyes glow brighter than I’ve ever seen them. I shiver as his thumb brushes tenderly over my cheek, making my heart ache.
Then he leans down. His lips brush mine once, almost asking permission. When I lean into him, his restraint snaps. A satisfied groan rolls through him as he kisses me fully.
His hand slides into my hair while the other squeezes my waist, holding me close without trapping me. The kiss is warm and unhurried. He kisses me like I’m precious. Like I’m worth protecting.
I melt against him with a tiny sigh, my hands flattening against his chest. My heart pounds so hard that I’m sure he can feel it.
When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathing a little harder.
Russo rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve dreamed about kissing my mate for years,” he murmurs. “Reality’s even better.”
I laugh softly, still a little dazed. “I’ve never kissed anyone before.”
His expression softens even more. “I’m honored I was your first.” He trails a finger down my flushed cheek. “We don’t have to go to town today. Or ever. You can wear my clothes. We can order stuff online.”
“No. I don’t want to be scared forever. You’ll be with me. I’ll be safe.”
