Page 178 of Infernal Secrets

I picked at the hem of my skirt. “How are you so sure when we’ve only known each other a little over a month?”

There was so much he didn’t know. How could he say he’d fallen for me?

Grandma might say, “When you know, you know,” but I was more pragmatic. I’d seen enough whirlwind romances crash and burn after three-month engagements to know the foolishness of committing to someone so soon.

What happened when the lust and honeymoon phase ended?

I wanted to trust things could work out, but after living so long in fear of losing my mind, I didn’t think it was possible to be with anyone.

He rose and braced a hand beside my hip, leaning over me. “Because, when you know, you know. And I know, down to my very soul,” he whispered before he brushed a soft kiss on my lips.

His words echoed Grandma’s perspective.

I yielded without thinking when he pressed into the kiss, guiding me down until my head rested on the pillow. I wrapped my arms around his neck as his tongue danced with mine.

Free from the inexplicable sadness from earlier, I felt the truth in his words through the magical tether between us.

His breath feathered over my lips when he broke our kiss and rested his forehead against mine. “Will you let me be with you again?”

42

BOUNDARIES

RAE

No one would know it to look at him, but Ash was a gentle giant who cared for and respected those around him. Despite our earlier intimacy, he still asked.

“You don’t have to ask,” I whispered, trailing my fingertips over his temple, down his cheek, and through his beard.

His eyelids lowered.

I arched my back when his warm hands glided up my waist, working my shirt up and over my head.

His long hair and braids tickled my skin as he lowered his head, laying hungry kisses over my breasts before pulling my nipple into his mouth. He flicked his tongue, creating a tight suction, and I cradled the back of his head, holding him where I wanted him.

I arched my neck, moaning when his fingers brushed my clit through my panties and tights. I’d been so focused on his mouth that I hadn’t noticed his wandering hand. Wanting more, I lifted my hips, encouraging him to remove the fabric standing in his way.

After he discarded my panties and tights, he rose to his knees. My breath stuttered when I caught the hunger in his eyes.

I reached for him, and his rum and cinnamon scent filled my senses as he bent to capture my lips, pausing only long enough for me to pull his shirt off so I could feel his skin against mine.

His lips skimmed my jaw as he worked my skirt up around my waist.

“I don’t want to wait.” He made quick work of the button and zipper, stripping off his jeans. “I need to be inside of you.” His lips met mine again, like he couldn’t get enough.

I understood the feeling. I wanted to kiss him all night, even if nothing more came of it. His kisses were intoxicating, leaving me breathless and aching. The weight of his cock against my thigh sent my heart racing in anticipation.

“Ash,” I panted against his lips when he slid the underside of his shaft over my sensitive slit.

“I’ve got you, beautiful blackbird.”

Something in his tone told me he meant something more, but I didn’t want to unpack that right now. Confusion lingered at the edges of my thoughts, but I refused to entertain it.

He rose above me, and I trailed my fingers over the soft hair on his broad chest and tight abs. He groaned and closed his eyes, savoring the touch, then shifted into position.

I moaned, head falling back when he pressed forward, stretching me open with the head of his cock.

I knew we should use a condom—that going bare was irresponsible—but I didn’t have any, and I didn’t want to stop. Could Shyrlivi carry STDs? Could they get humans pregnant?