Page 28 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“Don’t hold back now.”

“It’s dangerous. What if there had been an attack? We don’t know if she can use her powers when she’s inebriated. And not to mention, what if she did? She wouldn’t be able to control it.”

I turn so quickly, he backs up a step. “We both are fully aware of the threats. Every moment of every day. I understand that your job is to protect me, and I thank you for that, but do not forget your place. You know nothing of her abilities and what she is or isn’t capable of. It was one night.”

Rune nods. “Sorry, sir.”

I continue into the dining hall and grab a tray, piling it high with more food than either of us will eat. When I turn for the beverage cart, Rune holds up a coffee and a tea like a peace offering. The tension rushes out of me. He’s right. Last night was reckless, but I couldn’t tell her no. Besides, I didn’t drink and was fully aware of her aura and watched her all night for any sign she was losing control.

She didn’t, not once.

“Thanks,” I say, allowing him to lead the way back to the dorms. We’re both silent as we take the steps back to my room. When we reach my door, I turn back to him. “I value your opinion. Always have. You spoke true, and I’m sorry for my reaction.”

He nods, silently expressing his gratitude, and takes up his post across the hall from my door.

I slip inside the room as Raea steps out of the shower, a towel wrapped around her. She’s humming to herself. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I set the tray down on the bed, pull out her gift, and slip it into my pocket.

We only have one month left of school. After that, everything changes.

This isn’t a Bonding ring, but it’s the next best thing I could think of to promise her my faithfulness.

Chapter 11

Raea

I’m thankful for the tonic Ryker gave me. My head feels clearer, and the pounding has stopped. I hum to the music stuck in my head from last night as I head toward the closet in search of clothes. I open the drawer I keep some of my things in, only to find it empty. Well, that sucks. I feel Ryker’s presence shift the air as the colors of our Bond dance around me. Then, he wraps his arms around me from behind.

“Need some clothes?” His mouth moves along the column of my neck as I arch back into him.

“No. I mean, yes,” I say breathlessly. “Maybe.”

A warm laugh rolls through him.

I really want to drop the towel right now, but I’m also trying to respect his annoying righteousness. I wouldn’t mind having his hands on me again, or feeling his body pressed into mine.

His hands slide down my arms, the callouses scraping against my warm skin, leaving tingles in their wake. “Here.” He reaches somewhere behind him, bringing a handful of my clothes in front of me.

“Did you steal my clothes?”

He bites down on my neck, and I yelp. “Brought them to you? Yes. But no, I didn’t steal them.”

“Same thing. Thank you, Ry.” I glance over my shoulder, pressing my lips to his. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to get dressed.” I bat my lashes.

He nods and steps back against the wall, ankles crossed, arms folded over his chest, a thumb running over his lips as he drinks me in.

Fine. If he won’t leave, then he can deal with the consequences. I’m done playing these games. I want him, and it's my birthday.

I drop my towel with a flourish. His eyes clamp shut as he mutters a curse. I bend slowly, dragging my panties up my legs while Ryker curses beneath his breath.

His hands close over mine as he kneels before me. He helps drag them ever so slowly up, his mouth pressing hot kisses against my thighs. His fingers tremble, and when he gets to the apex of my thighs, he exhales and his control snaps.

“Fuck it,” he groans, standing and capturing my mouth with his.

My panties fall to the floor as his hands find my soaked core, working a finger into me, then two.

“Tell me no, and I’ll stop. Tell me yes, and I’ll set the world on fire for you.” He walks me back until I’m pressed against the wall.

“Yes,” I chant, clinging to him as the world around me falls away. My breasts scrape against the fabric of his shirt, and my leg is hiked up around his waist. He swallows every moan as he builds that burning heat that threatens to consume me. Energy floods my system as I cry his name. “Ryker, please.”