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I shrank back into the shadows as they passed, hoping they didn’t notice me. I’d known all of that before, but the reality of my situation was becoming realer than ever before. I finished my wine, taking my time, not wanting to know if Garrett would go to my room or not tonight. Unable to bear the thought of him moving on and not coming. And just as fearful that if he did, I wouldn’t be able to resist him.
By the time I made my way back inside, the entire house was asleep except for the guards on duty. I slowly climbed to the third floor, ready to drop into bed. Exhaustion had finally caught up with me.
When I reached the top of the landing and turned, though, I froze. Garrett was sitting outside my door, propped up against it and completely knocked out. I glanced up and down the hallway. Empty now, but had anyone seen him out here like this? What was he thinking?
“Garrett,” I hissed, rushing to his side and bending down to shake his shoulder. “Wake up. What are you doing out here?”
He blinked at me, and I expected to see the haze of too much alcohol, but his eyes were crystal clear, his gaze sharpening as he fully awoke.
“Jess.” He reached out and took my hand. “What time is it? Where have you been?”
I helped him to his feet and dug for my keys, unlocking my door and pulling him inside. “It’s almost two in the morning. Why are you sitting in the hallway where anyone can see you?”
“Because I needed to see you.”
I pressed my lips together, a battle waging inside me.
“I know I told you I was going to respect your decision. And I am. But I’m not mated yet. And until I am, I don’t want to spend a night away from you. I want every bit of you I can get before…” He shook his head, not wanting to say it.
I’d thought this morning it was over that I’d never have the chance to be in his arms again. I flung myself into them now, knowing I might regret it later, but unwilling to give up one of our last nights together.
When he kissed me, it was soft and sweet. Tender. Almost reverent.
He pulled back, his jaw ticking for a moment. “I thought I might never get to do that again.”
A tiny sob escaped me, and his arms tightened around me. “Garrett, I don’t know how—”
“Shh, baby.” He pressed a finger to my lips. “We don’t have to think about that right now. The only thing that matters right now is us. This.” He gestured between us, and I nodded.
There would be plenty of time to mourn what could have been. But tonight? Tonight was ours.
His lips met mine once more, and my heart came to life, pounding against his chest. Then he was scooping me up in his arms, never breaking the kiss as he carried me into my bedroom, laying down with me on my bed.
I melted into his touch, memorizing the feel of his hands on my body as he stripped me down slowly, running his fingertips over every inch of skin. Then he traced my curves with his tongue, taking his time.
Garrett made love to me all through the night, worshipping my body. Pleasuring me, just as I did him. I committed every muscle, every plane, and angle of his body to memory. Every touch and kiss and caress.
It was everything, and I would cherish our time together for the rest of our lives.
At some point, I fell asleep, drifting on a cloud of pure bliss. Rays of bright sunlight awoke me, and I rolled over to find Garrett still there with me. He hadn’t left in the night.
I smiled, studying his sleeping face, thankful that if we never had anything else, we’d had this one last night. The thought made my throat sting with tears, and I fought them back. Reaching out, I stroked a finger along his sharp jaw, his full lips, over his shoulders and his chest. I paused with my hand just above his heart.
“Why did you stop? That felt good.”
I jerked my gaze to his face to find him watching me, a faint smile on his lips. “Oh.” I sat up, embarrassed at having been caught.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me right back down, rolling me onto my back and hovering above me. “You’re beautiful when you blush like that. Did you know? It’s one of my favorite things about you.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Garrett traced a finger over my face, still smiling. He pressed a single, soft kiss to my nose. “I love everything about you.”
“Garrett…” I didn’t trust myself not to burst into tears if he didn’t stop being so sweet. I blinked rapidly as they threatened anyway.
“What is it?”
I looked away, out the window. “You have a home visit with Reagan today. You should get up and prepare to go.”
He shook his head, cupping my cheek and turning me back to face him. “Not yet. Just a few more minutes. I want at least a little more time with you.” He paused, his eyes growing serious as he scanned my face. “There’s something I need to tell you. Maybe I shouldn’t… maybe it would be easier on both of us if I didn’t. But I need you to know.”
