Chapter 209: A Temporary Home
Evaline:
Once Kieran exited the room, I turned. I was about to ask Draven about the ’friends’ statement, but I froze when he suddenly pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
A surge of surprise overwhelmed me for a heartbeat... then desire took over. I wrapped my arms around him, returned the kiss just as passionately, feeling the warmth of his lips, the familiar scent of him, wrapping around me like a blanket.
Our lips moved together in sync and our breaths deepened. My head started spinning as our bond’s feelings overwhelmed me. After a few moments, I tried to pull back, whispering, "The door’s not locked... what if Kieran-" My words trailed off as he pressed into me deeper.
But then he paused mid-kiss and his eyes flicked to the door. He released me, stepped away and walked over to lock it with careful fingers. I watched him, shaking my head with an amused smile. He returned to me, sliding his arms around me again, and our lips met once more... softly at first, then turning hungry.
We only broke apart when we were both out of breath. I leaned into him, my chest heaving as I looked up. The firelight was casting soft shadows across his face.
My pulse was throbbing in my ears. I finally found air and spoke, my voice trembling with a mixture of emotion and nerves. "What was all that... about being friends?"
His lips curved into a sly smile. "That was part of the plan," he said, and then almost made me shriek when he spun me gently in his arms before settling again. "By saying ’friends,’ I get to be near you, enter your room... touch you - like friends do - without raising suspicion from Kieran or River."
Pride was shining in his eyes as he continued, "As long as I’m your friend, I can be with you... around you, without needing to sneak. That way they will think it’s all innocent."
I laughed softly, shaking my head... but warmth flooded me. I leaned up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. At seven inches shorter than him, I bobbed up to do so. His grin let me know I had delighted him.