Page 128 of Power of Shadow

“Leave it to me,” she says and looks away. That’s her way of telling me she wants to drop the subject.

But the feeling inside me won’t go away. The fear for her that creeps under my skin doesn’t magically disappear. “I know you can handle it. You’re my Little Killer. But the thought that the woman I love is in danger makes me see red. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you, Ash. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you safe. Killing your father...”

“Wait a second,” she interrupts. A gentle look accompanies the shock on her face. “Did you—did you just say you love me?”

That’s all she picks up from my whole speech? How can she doubt it? Do I not show her enough affection? Do I not make it clear enough how much she means to me? Doesn’t she understand she’s my entire world?

My voice is soft when I speak. “Of course I love you, Ash. I thought I made it clear to you lately where I stand, but if not…”

“You said you were in love with me. That’s not the same thing.”

I smile. “I love you, my Little Killer. Even as I say it now, I know it doesn’t fully reflect how strong my feelings for you are. It’s like madness, like an obsession, because all my paths lead to you. My body’s only at peace when you’re within reach of my fingers. My heart can no longer beat for anyone but you. My life only gained meaning and significance when I found you. I’m all yours.”

I emphasize my last words by spreading my arms wide, and she snuggles up close and doesn’t let go. That’s what I need, for her not to let me go.

“Who would have thought you could be so romantic, Ryker?”

This time I laugh louder. “I don’t know about that, but seriously, I’m only like this for you. I’ve never had the need or desire to be like this for any other woman. For you, I want to be everything you need and want in life. And even more.”

“But I don’t—”

“Shh. You don’t have to say anything. When you’re ready, you’ll say those three words to me, and until then, I’ll wait. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life, longing for you without even knowing it.”

I love you like crazy.

“I’m here,” Ash whispers, climbing on her toes to reach my lips.

Her lips are hot and soft.

“Today,” she says, breaking the kiss abruptly. “Today I need to forget, Ryker. Can you help me forget all of this? I need to stop thinking about it. It’s not healthy, I know. But I need you to keep me from going crazy.”

Her eyes are so tired and hurt. I can’t bear the pain in her eyes, but I need to hear her say yes. “I’ll give you everything you need. Are you absolutely sure this is the kind of distraction you need?”

Ash nods, so I take her hand. “Let’s go to my place.”

Ash’s hands intertwine at the back of my neck, and she returns my kiss. Her tongue finds mine and then wanders inside my mouth.

My lips part from hers, and I begin gently to nibble her jaw and then her neck with my teeth. The first moan that escapes her throat hits me right in the crotch. My cock is already hard, and the tight fabric of my pants is uncomfortable. We have to change that, but at her pace.

I pull her with me when I get up from the couch, grab her buttocks until she wraps her legs around my waist, and head for the bedroom. All the while, I don’t stop touching her or kissing her neck.

“God, Ryker.”

“Yes, my Little Killer?”

My bedroom door slams shut behind us, and in a moment I have her beneath me.

“I need you,” she moans and starts grinding her hips against me to signal she’s ready.

“Fuck. I’m thinking the same thing, baby.”

Hastily, I remove every layer of clothing from her. Mine lands on the floor next to hers.

I turn on the lamp. Standing at the side of the bed, I look at her, lying on her back, legs bent slightly at the knees. I can’t believe my luck. I cherish every inch of her body.

And not only that. I love her whole soul, her heart... I love all of her.

Grasping Ash’s left leg, I lift her foot to my mouth. Looking straight into her eyes, I kiss each toe and then move my lips higher. Kissing and biting the skin on her calves, then her thighs, I can feel her trembling.