“And the tea and cookies,” she says with a wink.
“Best part of the visit.”
She laughs, but then her eyes turn serious. “Don’t be a stranger. I’m good for more than just spells and old legends, and my discretion is above reproach.”
I smile warmly. “Tatiana, the list of your virtues would fill my library many times over.”
“I mean it, Rook,” she says, and I know from the sudden ferocity in her tone she’s dead serious. Pulling her shall tighter around her shoulders once more, she says, “Whatever lies ahead for you and your rune bearer, something tells me you’re going to need allies in this. I just want you to remember you canalwayscount me among them.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
ROOK
By the time I finish up with Tatiana and get back to Blackmoor Manor, my wings are stiff and aching, my mind overloaded, and all I want to do is take West into my arms and kiss her until the sun rises.
After activating the perimeter spell, I head straight to the library in search of the woman who, according to the ancient vampire-witch, put the light back into my soulful brown eyes.
I give her another buzz to let her know I’m coming. She’s at the door before I even set foot inside, her cheeks flush with color, her eyes dark with desire.
The moment I see her, I know Tatiana’s news will have to wait.
Right now, nothing is more important than this. Than Westlyn. Than finally giving in to everything we’ve been feeling for weeks, everything I’ve so carefully danced around because I didn’t know if she was truly ready for me.
“Rook,” she breathes, and I can’t tell whether that’s relief or accusation in her voice. Then, in a whisper heavy with wanting, “You promised.”
She’s right. I’ve edged her all night long, teasing her senseless. Now, it’s time to grant her a pleasure so intense, she’ll still be feeling it long after I’ve turned to stone for the day.
Pretty sure I’ll still be feeling it, too.
I wrap her in an embrace and lift her up, kicking the door closed behind me and turning off all the lights, leaving the library bathed in the glow of the crackling fire.
The scent of her desire, the feel of her smooth skin, the weight of her in my arms…
I don’t know how the hell I’ve held out so long. I can’t keep my hands off her another minute. I close my eyes and press my nose to her neck, breathing her in as I carry her to the library table, shove aside my books and papers, and lay her down.
Next to her, I place my phone. No, not because I’m expecting an urgent call—as if that could take me away from her tonight.
One glance at the device, and my girl knowsexactlywhy it’s there.
A soft sigh floats from between her lips as I slowly peel off her clothing, revealing her smooth, creamy skin. Her hair is loose tonight, black-and-silver waves fanning out behind her. The firelight dances in her eyes.
“You are so beautiful,” I whisper, taking one more moment to drink her in, dark head to perfectly polished toes. “I’ve wanted you since the very first moment I saw you.”
“Rook,” she whispers again, bringing her hands up to cup her bare breasts. I turn the vibrator down to a slower pulse, and she arches her back, nearly writhing on the table. “Touch me.Pleasetouch me. I can’t handle you watching from the sidelines—not tonight.”
“No, I’ve watched you long enough, Wild West. Dreamed of you, ached for you, night after night. I’m done watching.” I lean over her on the table, brushing a lock of silver hair from her face.
And then, after imagining this moment for longer than I care to remember, I kiss her.
Her lips part on another sigh, and West reaches up and threads her fingers into my hair, pulling me closer. I deepen the kiss, exploring her soft, wet mouth, tasting her, memorizing her, every stroke of my tongue bringing us closer.
Behind us, the fire roars, the scent of flame and old parchment and all the things I love about my favorite place colliding with the scent of her, slowing twining around my heart and rooting me here.
It’s everything.
It’s perfect.
It’s a kiss to remember, just like I promised her.
