“Remember what happened the last time we were in here alone?” I ask, forcing a subject change before I lose it.
Haven’s gaze refocuses on me, and the corner of her mouth turns up, which of course draws my attention again.
“I’m not sure. Maybe you can help refresh my memory.”
I don’t need any more encouragement than that. I swoop down and press my lips to hers, pulling the bottom one into my mouth and biting down lightly like I’ve been aching to do.
She lets out a low moan, and bending down, I grab her under the thighs and lift her, wrapping her legs around my waist, all without breaking our kiss.
“It’s starting to come back to me now,” she whispers against my mouth, and I feel the smile on her lips. “But maybe I need a little more reminding.”
This time, it’s her that dives in, deepening the kiss. I let her take the lead, content to follow wherever she takes me.
When her tongue brushes up against mine, my mind goes fuzzy.
I can’t get enough of her. I’ll never get enough.
She brushes her fingers against the back of my neck and releases a small gasp when scales appear. I swallow the noise with another kiss, and she runs her fingers over the smooth scales once again, causing a shiver of desire to run down my spine.
With difficulty, I pull away before things really start to get out of control.
I’m right on the edge. It’s already a struggle to focus on anything else besides the taste of her on my tongue, and the feel of her soft curves beneath my hands, but before things go further, I need her to know she’s more to me than just this physical connection.
Haven’s lips are wet and puffy from my kisses, and there’s a hazy look in her eyes as she stares up at me.
I can’t do this while I’m still holding her. She’s too tempting. I gently set her on the edge of the bed then kneel in front of her. My hands are still latched to her hips because I can’t seem to make myself let go of her.
The emotions surging through me are more intense than I’ve ever felt before, making me lose some control over my shift once again. Haven’s eyes drop, and she runs her hand over my forearm, where a patch of smooth teal scales have appeared.
I never considered my scales to be very sensitive, but I was wrong. The warmth and gentle strokes of her fingers make me want to forget whatever I think needs to be said and take her in my arms once again.
I swallow, wetting my throat, and Haven’s gaze lifts. Her honey brown eyes fill with love, even though she hasn’t uttered the words yet.
“I love you,” I say for the both of us.
A sweet smile lifts the corners of Haven’s mouth, and I breathe a little easier. Part of me still thinks I may scare her off, but I can tell she likes hearing the words. But those aren’t the only ones I have for her.
“I always planned to leave the human world after I helped find Locklyn’s sister,” I admit, and Haven’s smile slips.
I hate seeing that, but I need her to understand how profoundly she’s affected me. How much she means to me.
“There was nothing to keep me here. Locklyn has Talon. Kade wants me to stay and help the Order, but I knew once I found her sister, my purpose here would be done. I may not be the dragon heir anymore, but my place is still back in my world. It’s the only home I’ve ever really known.”
Haven pulls back and crosses her arms over her chest, putting a little distance between us, but I don’t let go.
“I get it,” she says quietly. “You have a family back there. People that are important to you. A life.”
“I do,” I admit. “I have all those things, but what you need to understand is that it doesn’t matter anymore. None of it. Because from here on out, my home isn’t a place anymore, it’s a person. It’s you.”
Haven’s eyes glisten and she unfolds her arms. I take her hands in mine, not letting my gaze slide from hers. I want her to read the raw honesty in them for herself.
“The creature world, the human world, it doesn’t matter anymore. The only place I want to be is with you.”
A single tear escapes her eye and trails down her cheek. Reaching up, I wipe it away.
“Why are you telling me all this?” she asks, her voice wobbly with emotion.
“Because I never want you to feel the way I made you feel before. You’re my forever, Haven. And there’s no way I’m letting something as insignificant as a demon take my forever away.”
