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“I can teach you to cook, if you’d like,” I told her, wanting to return to a more pleasant topic of conversation.
“If you can teach me to make this,” she said, pointing at the shrimp risotto, “I’m all in.”
We finished our meal, and I asked question after question, wanting to know everything about her, what she liked, what she didn’t. Her hopes and dreams. I wanted to know it all.
Soon, the sun began to dip below the horizon behind us, lighting the eastern sky in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Kayden watched the waves crash in their endless rhythm, looking more relaxed and at peace than I’d seen her since we’d met. I hadn’t brought up being mates—and I wasn’t going to, not tonight—but this was huge progress. After what she said, I didn’t believe her brother was the only reason she’d pushed me away, but I wouldn’t push her for more than she was ready to give.
Wanting a bit more privacy, I stood and pulled at the ties holding the curtains back, ensconcing us in a magical wonderland where it felt like we were the only two in the world.
I moved the table over, then sank close to Kayden on the pillows. She didn’t move away, a good sign, and I rolled to my side, propping myself up on my elbow as I studied her beautiful face. She truly was gorgeous. I’d never seen a hair color quite like hers before. With her almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones and full lips, she looked like a goddess in the flowing white dress.
“What is it?” she asked, turning to look at me.
“What?”
“You’re staring.” A tiny smile played at her lips.
“Because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Kayden laughed. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”
“Kayden.” My voice was serious. “There are no other girls. Not for me.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment, and I was afraid I’d pushed too hard, said too much. But to my surprise, she moved closer, leaning back on the pillows beside me.
White-hot desire burned through me, but I forced myself to remain in control. I’d lost all sense of myself two nights ago in the infirmary, driven only by the knowledge she was my mate. I was willing to take my time if that’s what she needed.
“Are you ready for dessert?” I grabbed a small container from the table and opened it, revealing tiramisu, cannoli, and tiny chocolates.
Kayden’s eyes widened. “Always.”
I picked up one of the chocolates and held it to her lips. Her eyes locked on mine as she sank her teeth into it, her lips brushing my fingertips. It was all I could do not to kiss her right then and there.
Restraint, Holden, I reminded myself.There’s no hurry.
But my body didn’t get the message. I ate the other half of the chocolate, then reached for the tiramisu. Not bothering with a fork, I dipped my finger into it, then held the creamy goodness to her lips.
She arched a brow but didn’t say anything. When she opened her mouth and licked the custard from my finger, I couldn’t help but groan.
Her breath came faster, her eyes fixed on my mouth. She wanted me, that much was clear. Just as I wanted her. The pull of the mate bond was strong, but was she willing to give in to her desires?
“Your turn,” she murmured, her voice husky as she sat up, reached for a cannoli and brought it to my mouth.
I didn’t try to hide my longing as I stared at her while taking a bite, then took the decadent dessert to feed her again. My heart pounded as her mouth wrapped around the cannoli, her eyes fluttering as she moaned again.
Fuck, she was driving me wild.
There was a little bit of cream on the corner of her mouth, but instead of reaching up to wipe it away, I leaned in, unable to resist. I’d told myself I had no expectations for this date and wouldn’t push her for anything other than her time and company.
But she showed no resistance as I bent my head close to hers until we shared the same air. Then I darted my tongue out to lick away the sweet cream.
Her breath hitched as she remained perfectly still, her eyes closed. Waiting.
I certainly wouldn’t refuse that invitation.
Ever so slowly, I closed the distance, brushing my lips against hers. The reaction was instant for both of us. The same indescribable yearning I’d felt for her each time we’d kissed rose once more, only this time I recognized it for what it was.
Mate.
