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Bruises I wanted from him.
The realization terrified me. Had me coming further to my senses.
Fuck.
I wanted him to mark me.
I wanted to be his.
“Mareina… Nothing means more to me than you and your trust. I won’t jeopardize for anything.”
Malekai drew back to study my reaction. My expression was starkly the opposite of my desirous, euphoric expression only moments ago. It was heartbroken. Heartbroken that he thought all of this was only because of venom.
“Oh god, Mareina…”
Malekai released my wrists and pulled me onto his lap, holding me firmly against him and stroking my hair. Even as his divine warmth enveloped me, my eyes stung with tears.
“Are you upset with me?” He asked hoarsely.
“Gods no. I’m heartbroken and ashamed that you think this was all because of venom.”
I felt his throat dip from where it pressed against the side of my face, his chin perched against the top of my head that he cradled in one hand.
“Wasn’t it?”
That familiar fear coiled through me. The fear of losing him. Because I knew I didn’t deserve him.
“No. Not even remotely.”
He gave a noncommittal grunt.
There was so much more I wanted to say, but…
A soft feminine groan sounded from the other side of the room.
“Oh, gods… the donatris…”
His voice came out little more than a growl.
“She’s fine. She’s fae. All she needs is a long nap.”
I heaved a sigh, still feeling guilty and ashamed that I’d led him to believe it was only because of the venom.
Because for a century, I’d never once given in to his advances.
I was desperate to make amends… But was I willing to risk everything - because Malekai waseverythingto me - for what would likely be a temporary thing, perhaps years long, but temporary nonetheless, for what would otherwise be a lifelong friendship?
Being pressed against him like this, skin-to-skin, with nothing between us and held in his arms… It was the most divine sensation I’d ever been gifted with.
And I knew I’d never be able to go without it again.
Before my rational mind or fear could get the better of me…
“Can we… talk when I get back?”
He drew back slightly to take in my expression, brow pinching with concern as he stroked my hair.
“Of course… Are you ok?”
