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I felt my cheeks flush with shy pleasure. “Likewise.” It wasn’t just his kind words that moved me—simply having him near made me feel enveloped in a protective bubble where nothing could touch us. With Rhys beside me, I found the courage to face each day.
Our gazes caught and held, the unfinished work around us forgotten... Unable to resist, I leaned over to brush my lips against the tender spot beneath his ear, eliciting a satisfying shiver. Rhys turned, eyes smoldering, to capture my mouth fully. The albums lay abandoned as I lost myself in his embrace. He kissed me tenderly yet thoroughly, leaving me dizzy and breathless, the rest of the world receding.
His kiss became deeper and more demanding, our hands exploring each other’s bodies—gods, I wanted him. I longed to be full of him, and only him. I pulled back and looked into his eyes, my breath choppy. His own breathing was heavy as his fierce eyes roved my face, searching for the answer to an unspoken question.
Rhys gently trailed a finger down my cheek and along my jawline before lifting my chin so our eyes met again. His gaze was soft yet smoldering, like melted chocolate with notes of fire underneath. All thoughts fled from me as his lips descended on mine once more in a feverish exploration that felt both familiar and new all at once. I gasped softly at the sensation of his warmth against me—electricity raced through every nerve ending in my body, and I shivered in pleasure and anticipation for what was to come next.
As he deepened the kiss further, we locked together in a blissful dance of desire that seemed to last an eternity. His hands roamed tantalizingly over my body, as if he were memorizing every curve and contour with his fingertips. The heat between us rose higher until it felt like my very soul had been set ablaze by him alone.
His firm hand dipped between my knees and climbed beneath my wool-pleated skirt, caressing my inner thigh with determined intent. I quaked with anticipation as his fingers deftly danced over familiar, forbidden places. His touch inched higher and higher until it reached my most intimate spot, sending electric shocks through my body. Lazily, his fingers pumped inside and out of me, and a wave of exquisite rapture washed over me like the cresting ocean.
Rhys quickened the pace, and my body arched against the chair, trapped between the wall and his commanding form. As I came closer to the edge, I could no longer restrain my muted moans of pleasure. But Rhys silenced my cries with a fervent kiss as I quivered and shuddered in his arms.
He pulled away slowly—painfully slowly—and we stared into each other’s eyes for what felt like an eternity.
My lips still tingling from his kiss, I watched Rhys as mixed emotions warred inside me: happiness for the passionate moment we’d just shared; sadness that it had ended too soon; fear that it might never happen again.
We both remained silent, lost in the moment until eventually our surroundings gradually returned to us. The albums were still scattered on the ground. Rhys absently trailed his fingers down my arm when his touch stilled abruptly, gaze sharpening. I didn’t need to follow his eyes to know what had concerned him. A mottled bruise circled my wrist, courtesy of Drazhan’s vicious grip in our latest encounter.
Rhys took my hand gently, rage simmering beneath his quiet exterior. “Who did this to you?” Though spoken softly, the question demanded an answer.
When I hesitated, that dangerous light flickered in his eyes. My lips parted, but no words came through.
“Tell me,” he compelled.
I glanced away, shame turning my neck hot. Our joyous bubble had burst, harsh reality intruding once more. With a heavy exhale, I unraveled the bitter tale, laying bare every cruel taunt and vicious prank Drazhan had subjected me to since the term’s start. Rhys listened silently, jaw twitching, but he held his tongue until I had finished.
“Why did you not tell me sooner?” Hurt colored his words.
I clasped his hands beseechingly. “I did not wish to spoil our happiness. Please don’t blame yourself—Drazhan would torment me whether you were here or not.”
Rhys’ gaze gentled, but remained shadowed with remorse. “You should not have had to endure such cruelty. I will set this right. You have my word.” Dark promise edged his solemn vow. I didn’t doubt he would teach Drazhan a blistering lesson. But fire could not drive out fire. More violence would only breed greater discord in the end.
“Let it go,” I pleaded softly. “He’s not worth sullying yourself over. All I need is your comfort.” To emphasize it, I wrapped my arms around him, laying my head over his heart. His rapid pulse gradually slowed as he folded me close.
“You are far too forgiving, my light,” he whispered into my hair.
I squeezed him tighter, aching with gratitude for this patient, steadfast man who had weathered so much hatred with the capacity for gentleness somehow still intact. “Your love is enough,” I murmured. “As long as I have you close, the rest shall sort itself out in time.”
A deep sigh rumbled through his chest. “Your boundless faith continually humbles me.” He drew back to cup my face, eyes grave with tender emotion. “I vow you shall never have cause to regret placing your precious trust in me, Seraphina.”
The way he spoke to me—always with my full name, with such meaningful intent—shot a thrill through my core. My heart clenched with the depth of feeling welling inside me. Rhys made me believe anything was possible, even taming the demons of our past. Together we would build something pure and enduring, our love proved stronger by weathering these early storms. I would spend every day striving to be worthy of this rare gift fate had bestowed on me.
“Kiss me again and seal that vow,” I breathed, our lips meeting to reaffirm the promises carried in each searing caress. The outside world ebbed away, leaving only Rhys and I wrapped in our haven of light against gathering shadow.
CHAPTER13
Rhys
Rage surgedhot as dragonfire through my veins as I stormed through Wellspring’s rainy streets, merchants darting out of my path. Word had reached me that Drazhan and his sniveling friend Cassius lurked nearby, doubtlessly scheming fresh torment for my beloved Seraphina. But not today. Today, that ended.
I found them swaggering outside a tavern, surrounded by their usual gawking crowd. “Drazhan!” My bellow rose over the hissing rain. The multitudes scrambled away as I strode forth, power crackling at my fingertips.
The bully turned, a sneer twisting his features even as wariness flickered in his eyes. “Come to defend your pet witch’s honor, gargoyle?” He flashed a sharp grin, playing to the crowd. But the lingering spectators hung back nervously. They’d heard what I could do when roused to wrath.
I embraced the writhing inferno blazing inside me, flames springing hungrily to life in my palms. “You will never touch her again,” I vowed, voice rumbling with volcanic fury. “This ends here and now, demon.”
With a sneering laugh, Drazhan hurled a bolt of dark energy, sputtering with malignant power. I dispelled it with a swat of white-hot fire, advancing relentlessly through the downpour. The fool persisted, shrieking curses that fizzled uselessly against my wards. Behind him, Cassius desperately tried reinforcing the feeble magic, but their efforts couldn’t pierce my righteous rage.
