Page 231 of Nyx

I grab the unopened soda and guide her back into the clubhouse.

I release her hand only long enough to open the door, but she reaches for it again the second the door is closed behind us and locked.

"I think I may eat this later," she says. "I'm going to put it in the fridge."

We head to the kitchen, place both the plate and the soda on a shelf in the fridge, and leave.

With hands still entwined, we head to her room.

I pause outside of the door, knowing this is where I should leave her alone. I'm not going to force my way into her room or even expect to be asked inside.

Instead of turning back to face me when she steps into the room, she tugs my hand and pulls me inside before stepping to the side and closing the door.

I swallow, wondering if this is when the conversation happens, feeling a little better about how she may see me, knowing that she's safe with me, if she's willing to shoot me down in private.

"Are you okay?" she whispers once she's standing directly in front of me.

"I'm more concerned about you," I say.

"I'm still reeling a little from the last two days, but I think I'm okay."

I nod, understanding completely.

"I don't want you to think that I expect to be in here with you," I say.

"I want you in here with me," she says, and the words are simple enough, but it's the look in her eyes that speaks so much louder.

It's the same look she had the other night before she leaned in and kissed me, only this time I don't see a hint of hesitation clouding her beautiful eyes.

"Juliet," I whisper, giving her a chance to change her mind if she has any doubt.

She shakes her head as if understanding completely.

"You're safe with me," I assure her.

"I've never felt safer," she whispers, her eyes dropping to my lips the way they have so many times before.

My body responds the same way it always has when I notice her paying more than casual attention to me.

My heart kicks up, my muscles tense, and my cock fills, threatening to burst through my zipper.

When she releases my hand and lifts both of hers to my face, I'm nearly overwhelmed with emotion.

She has seen what I'm capable of, and yet in this moment she still chooses me.

I lean in closer when she lifts her lips to mine, the first contact shooting electricity through my entire body.

I press one hand to her cheek, my thumb urging her to angle her face up, and wrap my other arm around her waist.

She squeals against my lips, the happiest sound I've heard all day, when I lift her off her feet and move her closer to the bed.

The next few moments, I just live in the here and now. My lips move against hers, tongues twisting together.

Her hands work to find the hem of my t-shirt, our lips only parting long enough to get it over my head and toss it to the floor before meeting again.

I take a half step back, forehead pressed to her, when her hands work to open my belt and zipper.

I watch as she works the leather open, breathing unevenly and heavily. My chest heaves as I remind myself that she's the most fragile and precious thing I've ever had the opportunity to touch.