Page 24 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

I can’t help but laugh, my body shaking as I do.

“Doesn’t mean my kisses aren’t as powerful.”

I slide my fingers through his dark strands as my laugh settles. “Fine, but there’s only so many times you can deny me Ryker, before I start thinking you’re just finding excuses. I’m going to start thinking I’m not attractive or⁠—”

He pushes up to look at me. “Do not finish that sentence.” His nose drags down my stomach, dropping down between my thighs as he nips my sensitive core through the material of my leggings.

I gasp, letting my legs fall open, but all too soon he moves, crawling up my body until he’s hovering over me.

He takes my hand, rubbing it over his hard length between his legs. “My cock is hard the moment I look at you.” He releases my hand. “But my love for you is beyond attraction and desire, so if it means waiting just a little longer, then I will.” He places his hand over my heart. “Because this,” he whispers, “is so much more precious to me.”

My eyes water as I nod, pulling him down on top of me. He settles over me, smothering me as his weight pushes me into the bed. He flips us over and runs a hand down my back once I’m settled on top of him.

“How about we do some reading instead?”

I’m off his lap in a moment. It’s the perfect opportunity to tease him. “All that sappy love stuff,” I say, biting my lip. “All you had to say was books.”

He pushes up, leaning on his elbows with a grin. “Of course.” He laughs. “I should have known. One of these days, Raea, I’m going to build you the biggest library.”

Chapter 9

Raea

“So what do you think about this one?” Ciara asks, modeling another swimsuit she ordered. We’ve been locked in my room all afternoon. Tonight there’s a group of us heading to the village. Ryker says I can’t spend my life waiting for tomorrow to come.

I have to live for today, too.

And today I’m twenty-one.

Come tomorrow, I’ll officially be twenty-two.

I glance down at my Prism and frown. Ryker’s gift has been delayed…again.

His birthday is the day after mine. In Okenen, the custom is to release a bottle into the ocean with a wish for the coming year—a gift to Okraethon, the giant octopus said to protect the Okenen people. But this year we’ll be celebrating here.

I groan, dropping my Prism before looking over at Ciara with a reluctant smile. “You look radiant.”

She scoffs, disappearing into my bathroom again to change for the evening just as I get an alert from Ryker.

Anders Rykerson: Be there in five.

Just then, I hear a knock at the door. “Got it,” I yell out to Aolyn, who is in her bathroom finishing up her makeup. I swing the door open to find Kamden and Kellan standing side by side awkwardly.

“We are just finishing up in here,” I say, holding open the door. Both men enter, heading straight for the sitting area. “Hey, Kel.” Kellan pauses, turning toward me as I close the door. “You okay?”

He looks…tired. I’ve known Kellan since I was seven, and we’ve practically lived together since then. The usual brightness in Kellan’s hazel eyes has dulled.

Kellan nods, his lips tilting up. “Yeah, all good, RaeRae.” He pulls me in, my senses surrounded by the scent of cinnamon and salt. His arms wrap around me tighter for a moment before he releases me. “Can we meet down at the lake tomorrow before breakfast? I want to give you my gift.”

A smile spreads across my face. Kellan and I love exchanging gifts. It's our own love language. “Want to walk together?”

He nods eagerly as another knock sounds at the door.

This time, when I open it, Tate is standing on the other side with a bright pink cloak, large glittery glasses in the shape of cakes, and the largest bottle of bubbles I’ve ever seen. “All hail, the birthday Princess!” His shout echoes off the stone walls as I giggle, tugging him inside.

“Please tell me you aren’t wearing that?”

He looks down, pulling open the cloak to reveal a shirt he hand-painted that reads I’m with the birthday girl.