Page 67 of Jinx

“I want you.” The declaration left my lips without a thought. “All of you. Each of you.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist, fingers curling into the back of his shirt, and laid my head against his chest with my ear to his heart. Its beat echoed through our bond, pulsing with admiration and gratitude. He held me like he never intended to let go, and for the first time in weeks, I let myself really exhale. I didn’t want to move, not when this moment was the only thing that felt steady.

“I’m scared,” I admitted.

His hand moved up and down my spine in a slow, grounding rhythm. “I know.”

I swallowed around the lump rising in my throat. “This isn’t me. I don’t know how to do any of this. How am I supposed to go to some supernatural academy full of people who’ve been preparing for it their whole lives? I’ve known what I am for all of five minutes.”

Ric pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. “Because you’re strong. You’re brave. And you’re not alone.”

“I am alone though.” My voice cracked with the truth. “I’m the only one who doesn’t understand the rules of the game. I barely even know what game we’re playing.”

“Then trust us.” He brushed his knuckles down the side of my face, his gaze sobering. “I’m not going to tell you that anything we’re about to face is going to be easy, but we’re going to face it together. We’re with you, Pixie. Every step.”

He leaned forward and brushed his lips over mine, a feather-soft invitation that sent electricity skittering across my nerves. Pressing onto my toes, I moved my arms up to wrap around his shoulders, feeling the solid muscle beneath my fingertips. His second kiss was hungrier. His hand slid into my hair, and the taste of him flooded my senses and stole my breath.

When we parted, I almost expected to find myself in our meadow with the stars overhead. He guided me to the window bench and sat, pulling me into his lap. I curled up there, wearing his embrace like armor.

“I like to paint when everything is too much,” he said, the words warm against my hair. “It helps me get out of my head.”

I hummed with a nod. “Maybe I should try painting.”

“You should.” He gave me a playful squeeze. “I’ll even let you use my good brushes.”

There was no stopping the grin that split my face. “Well, now I know you must really like me.”

His laugh rumbled through me, and I nuzzled closer to him. “Never doubt it, Pixie.”

44

CORDELIA

I felt more grounded after talking with Alaric. He left me in Bellamy’s company while he started working out the logistics of…everything. I changed into the clothes that Lucian had brought back when he went to the apartment to collect Orion and made a mental note to thank him again. The leggings and slouchy tee he chose were exactly the comfort clothes I needed right now.

Bel was waiting for me when I came out of his en suite bathroom. His eyes swept over me, from my messy bun down to my bare feet, and his gaze darkened.

“I still think we should enact that ‘no clothes’ rule.”

My lips twitched in a smirk. “Maybe if you’re a good boy.”

He was on me with a growl, hands moving to my ass and lifting me into his arms. My back hit the wall, and he pinned me there with his hips.

“I can be good,” he panted between kisses to my neck and rocked his impressive erection against me. “I can be very good.”

I groaned and let my head fall back. I wanted nothing more than to explore Bellamy’s praise kink, but there was something else I needed to take care of before I could move forward.

“Bel.”

He read the hesitation in my voice and pulled back to look at me, apprehension in his golden eyes.

“I need to talk to Quinn.” I didn’t know if I’d be able to repair the damage I’d done, but I had to try. I hadn’t given him a choice, but I hoped he’d understand that I hadn’t really had a choice either.

Sad resignation crossed his face, and he nodded. I knew he didn’t have any regrets about what I’d done, but people said twins shared a mysterious bond. Maybe he already sensed how this was going to play out. He set me back on my feet and led me to the room next to his. He leaned closer to the closed door, listening.

“He’s still awake,” he said. “Want me to go in with you?”

My cowardly heart wanted to scream Yes!, but I shook my head. “No, I’ll be okay.”