Two narrow beds.
One tall gothic window overlooking the eastern cliffs of Asgarheim.
My former roommate had graduated early last semester, leaving me alone in the space.
Usually, I appreciated the solitude.
Tonight?
Tonight it felt too quiet.
Too empty.
I crossed slowly toward the window, unable to stop smiling.
He kissed me.
The realization hit me over and over like waves crashing against the shore.
Sten kissed me.
Not out of pity.
Not out of obligation.
He kissed me because he wanted to.
The memory played vividly inside my head.
His massive body wrapped around mine.
The heat of his skin.
The shocking gentleness beneath all that terrifying strength.
My thighs clenched again.
Gods.
I was so unbelievably turned on.
And maybe that should have embarrassed me more.
But all I could think about was him.
How hot he felt.
How his mouth tasted.
How safe I’d felt in his arms despite every logical reason I should have been terrified.
Monster.
The word no longer sounded frightening inside my head.
It sounded tempting.
Because if Sten was a Monster—maybe Monsters weren’t the problem.
