Page 235 of Interion

He shot a furious look at the phone. Then he commanded the shadows to release me and pulled me into his arms, transporting us to my room. With a kiss on my forehead, he left me there—alone, aroused, and deeply frustrated.

Δ

Zion returned an hour later. I had already showered, taken care of myself, and cleaned up all the mess we'd made in the basement, including that blessed photo he liked so much. I heard him showering and moving around his room. I sat on my bed, listening to music and painting my toenails. I thought about the test and mentally reviewed all my plans. The fireplace below the window crackled with magical fire, a small blessing from Yonser: it was bluish and had no smell, only heat. A few minutes later, Zion knocked on the door, and I straightened up anxiously, pulling a pillow onto my lap.

“Come in,” I said, a little reluctantly. He opened the door and smiled when he saw me. His expression was relaxed, and he was holding a blanket.

“I've come to offer my services as a nightmare repeller. Do you accept?”

I looked him over, my heart racing.

“No thanks, I'm good.” I pretended to examine my fingernails. He frowned at me, but his smile grew when he caught my teasing look.

“Then how about someone to watch your blanket in case it falls on the floor in the middle of the night?”

“I already have a fireplace.” I pointed to the magical fire.

“A chest to use as a pillow?”

“I already have pillows.”

“Someone to warm your feet?”

“I'm wearing socks.” I wiggled my feet in my bear socks.

A crooked smile tugged at his lips.

“So, what do you need?” he asked, giving up.

“I need you.” I swallowed hard. “Just you, in my bed every night.”

His eyes lit up and he came in, closing the door behind him. He pulled back the covers and lay down, pressing his body against mine.

“You already have that,” he murmured tenderly. “And in five days, after the test, it’ll be complete. Sorry I had to leave like that, but Cauê keeps screwing up when he leads the squads. Now that Kaori’s recovering, I have to stay on top of things.”

“I understand, Zion.” I reached over to turn off the light, then nestled beside him, careful not to ruin my nail polish. “Did something happen?”

“There was an issue with the armies returning. We’re bringing five squads to the walls for the festival. Cauê still hasn’t learned how to handle the men.” He fluffed his pillow. “Nothing you need to worry about.”

In the total darkness, I let myself reach out and caress his cheek. I wanted so badly to kiss him, but kisses were beyond our self-control. The sparks from what we’d done that afternoon still crackled in my blood, and from the tension in his jaw, I could tell he felt the same way.

“Did you like it?” he asked.

I thanked the heavens for the darkness, because I was blushing.

“I think I had at least two cardiac arrests, so that’s answer enough.” Zion laughed, his chest shaking beneath my head. “But it would be better if I could touch you too and return the favor. I feel like I owe you.”

He brought my hands to his lips and kissed them, breathing deeply against my skin.

“Five days, my little thief,” he promised, amused. “And then I’ll collect on that debt.”

Doubts flooded my mind. What if I didn’t pass the test? What if I couldn’t find a vial or got robbed on the way? I kept my worries to myself. I would find a way to make it work, no matter the cost.

“I’m not a little thief. In fact, I returned your photo. It’s in a frame next to your bed.” It was our first photo frame together. I was happy to be the one to start it. I hoped we could fill the house with more of them.

“I saw it and I really liked it, but I’m not talking about the photo.”

“Then what are you talking about?” I asked, confused.