Page 87 of Blood Curse

“I’d do it again.”

“I know. That frightens me too.”

“Because I chose you?”

“Because you were willing to stay cursed to protect my choice.”

“And you’re willing to stay beside me while it uses my voice.”

“Then stop treating my choice as more dangerous than yours.”

“I’m trying.”

Then he released me and stood.

He closed the bedroom door until only an inch of light remained. The latch stayed open. Our alarm remained outside, but the room belonged to us again.

Stellan pulled off his shirt and opened his trousers. His cock sprang free, thick and hard.

I kicked away the borrowed trousers and my underwear. His gaze moved over me.

“Still frightened?” I asked.

“Yes.”

I appreciated the honesty more than reassurance. “Me too.”

He came back to the bed.

I reached for him. Stellan took my waist and turned me towards the mattress before my fingers closed around his cock.

He paused.

His hands rested at my hips without pushing.

I looked back at him, then put my palms on the bed and leaned forward.

The choice showed in every inch of my body.

Stellan’s hand moved up my spine. His fingers spread at the back of my neck, firm and warm. He waited there.

I covered his hand with mine and pressed it closer.

His breath left him in a rough sound.

“This feels different,” I said.

“From the Crown?”

“Yes. I can move.”

Stellan lifted his hand.

I caught it and put it back. “And I can ask for it again.”

“Bryony.”

“I want it.”