“I love you, Luka.” My chest contracted, that string connecting me to her squeezing tight as the mark on my hand burned.
“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say those three words?”
“I know exactly how long.” She pressed her lips to mine. “I’m sorry I made you wait.”
I brushed my thumb over her cheek. “I’m not.” A line formed between her brows. “I never wanted you to say it because you felt like you had to. I wanted you to say it when you were ready.” Yes, I had wanted nothing more than to hear those three words from her, but I knew she loved me. I always knew deep down she did, and I didn’t need her to say the words for it to be real. I knew she’d tell me when she was ready.
She drew her bottom lip between her teeth. “I’ve known for a long while. Before our wedding even, I think. It’s hard to know because I tried to deny it for so long.” She swallowed. “But when I had Luce knock you out—I knew then. And I regretted not telling you sooner.” Her voice trembled.
“I love you, too, Lennox.” I brought my mouth to hers, kissing her softly. “Until the stars turn to dust.”
She smiled. “I loveyou, until the stars turn to dust.”
A fist pounded on the door, pulling me from sleep. Lennox stirred beside me, her eyes remaining closed as she snuggled deeper into my neck.
“Are you two done fucking yet?” Nico’s voice rang from the other side of the door. I ignored him, closing my eyes and pulling Lennox closer.
“Don’t think I won’t come in there even if you are.”
“Go away, Nico,” I groaned. “Nico!” I scolded. I made sure Lennox was covered as the door creaked open.
The wolf only shrugged. “I knew you guys weren’t fucking anymore, you’re both very loud.”
Lennox buried her face deeper into the bed as her shoulders shook with silent laughter.
“I gave you your time, Luka. I want to see my best friend awake.”
Lennox raised her head from her cocoon. “I missed you too, Nico.” The wolf smiled. “Give us a half hour. I need a bath.” Her stomach grumbled. “And food.” She poked my side. “Someone was more concerned about getting into my pants than feeding me when I woke up.”
“Hey, I didn’t hear you protesting.”
Nico pointed between us, raising his brows. “Half an hour. I’ll get a meal set up for us all.” He made his way toward the door. “If you’re not down in half an hour, I’ll barge in again and I better not find you fucking in the tub.”
Lennox fell onto her back, scrubbing her hands over her face. “I missed him,” she mussed.
“But not as much as you missed me.” I rolled on top of her, hovering my body over hers.
She brushed the hair out of my face. “Hmmm, I don’t know, it’s a close call.”
“Let me remind you.” I bent my head down, sealing my lips over hers as my hands roamed over her body. When we finally parted, she was panting and squirming underneath me as my hand danced lower.
“Now.” I nipped at her neck. “Tell me who you missed more.”
“You.” She panted as she arched against me.
“That’s what I thought, Sweetheart.” I rolled off her.
“Hey!” she protested.
“I have no intention of letting Nico walk in on us in the tub.” I offered her a hand. “So we better get started quickly.” Her eyes glimmered at the challenge.
The sheet fell to the side as I pulled her to me, exposing her naked body. I needed more than half an hour. I didn’t want to leave this room for days. She wound her fingers in mine, pulling me toward the bathing chamber.
I stopped dead in my tracks when she turned, her back facing me.
Lennox didn’t notice my hesitation, her fingers slipping from mine as she continued into the bathing chamber.
My eyes didn’t leave her back as I watched her sink into the steaming tub, the image burned into my mind. I had seen scars before—but never scars like those.
