Balancing on one hand, making sure he stays inside me, I reach for the cuff. It takes more time, but I manage to unclip it. As his arm drops, I move to the other one. He drags his palm down my back, and I have to ignore the sensations it causes. He flexes his fingers as he is completely released.
“Are they numb?” I ask softly.
“I’m fine.” He brushes his fingers over my jaw. “Does it hurt?” He touches the mark, and I shiver.
“No.” It’s tender, but it feels right. “I feel you.” I press my hand to his chest. “Your goodness. The life you have lived.”
“What else?” he asks.
“Your feelings for me,” I whisper.
“Good. It was killing me to keep the words inside.” He cups my face. “I won’t say them yet, so you won’t feel like you have to reciprocate. This was a way you would know without pressure. We have time.”
“Ezra.” I turn my head and kiss his palm. “I’m so lucky, but it doesn’t seem fair.”
“I chose this.” He drums his fingers. “I chose you. I wasn’t forced into this. It’s only fair to you if you can wait until you’re ready.”
“Shit.” I drop my head to his chest. “How do you make it sound right?”
“Because it is,” he chuckles, rolling on top of me. He slips out, and I feel empty. He traces my hairline. “It will work out when the time is right. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll try.”
“Wait here,” he says, moving away.
“Okay,” I say softly.
He goes into the bathroom, and I study the ceiling. The heat from the bond that was becoming uncomfortable is satisfied for the moment. It won’t last long. The universe wants us to have children, so the heat ensures we will mate often. I press my hand to my stomach. Until I mark him and complete the bond, the possibility of children is extremely low. What would our kids look like? The boys would have Ezra’s charming smile, and the girls would be confident. My mate would make sure they felt loved and safe. Would I be a good mom? I haven’t thought much about it. I would probably be more protective than Ezra, knowing the things that can happen to a woman.
“Foxy,” Ezra rumbles, and I blink, turning my head toward him.
“What did you say?” I ask.
“Nothing.” He slides his arms underneath me and lifts.
“Ezra,” I gasp, and hold on to his neck.
“I want a bath,” he says, moving to the bathroom.
“You do not,” I laugh.
“Alright…” He stops next to the tub. “I want to be in a bathtub with you, naked, and wet.” He grins and eases me to my feet.
“That sounds more like it,” I mumble.
“Get in,” he says gruffly, and grabs my hand.
“Do you want kids?” I ask, stepping over the side.
His fingers flex. “Yes.” He waits until I’m seated. “Scoot forward.” He gets in behind me and pulls me back against his chest. “I’ve always wanted a big family. My dad was in my life for such a short time, I’d like to be a dad.”
“They would love you.” I tilt my head back and to the side.
“I would do anything to protect them,” he says firmly, kissing my forehead.
“I know.” I face forward.
“And you?” he asks, rubbing his hands down my arms.
