He ended the kiss and rested his forehead against hers.
Veya made a frustrated sound.
“Do not stop.”
“I have to.”
“You asked what I wanted.”
“I know.”
“Then believe me.”
“I do believe you.” His voice had become rough. “I believe you wanted me before tonight, and I believe you want me now.”
Her eyes searched his.
“Then what is the problem?”
“I want you too much to use this.”
Veya went still.
Dax lifted his head enough to look at her properly.
“I will not take something from you while your body is in pain and neither of us understands why. I will not allow Rhen’s tether, his blood, or anything else he did to become part of the reason you end up beneath me.”
The bluntness brought colorless heat into her expression.
“You have thought about me beneath you.”
“I have been trying very hard not to.”
Despite everything, the corner of her mouth moved.
Dax’s thumb brushed once along her jaw before he forced his hand away.
“When this settles, ask me again.”
“I already did that.”
“Then ask a third time.”
“You are impossible.”
“I have been told.”
Another wave moved through her body, and the humor disappeared. Veya curled inward with a sharp breath, one hand closing around Dax’s sleeve.
He shifted farther onto the bed without lying over her.
“What do you need?”
“Do not leave.”
Dax hesitated only long enough to make sure the request was clear.
“I will stay.”
