The Three Who Chose Me

Josie

I let out a soft sigh, tangled in the warmth of Varen’s arms. My skin still tingled where his hands had touched, and my heart was beating like a frantic drum against my ribs. My head spun, not in a bad way, but with a rush of emotions I couldn’t quite hold down. There was a strange cocktail of want, guilt, sadness, and something else I wasn’t ready to name.

"I feel so good," I whispered, snuggling closer into his chest. "But I’m feeling so many emotions at once... it’s making me lightheaded."

Varen shifted, chuckling low as he pressed a gentle kiss to my nose. "Then take your time, Josie. We’re not in a rush."

I hesitated, brushing my fingers lightly against his chest. "I want you to take it slowly. I... I don’t know if you’d be okay with that."

He cupped my face, looking down at me like I was something precious. "You don’t get to think that way," he murmured. "I like whatever you like. You shouldn’t have such silly ideas in your head again, sweetheart. You make me full... whole, even."

My cheeks went hot, and I tucked my face into the crook of his neck to hide it. "You’re too sweet," I mumbled. "I just want to be held."

"I want that too." He kissed my forehead with a kind of softness I wasn’t used to. "So much."

For a moment, there was silence. Just our breathing. Just our warmth. Then, our lips found each other again. My hand found the back of his neck, drawing him closer, needing to drown in the feeling of someone who actually wanted me.

But Varen pulled away gently, resting his forehead against mine. I chased after his lips with a whimper, and he smiled—sadly.

"If we don’t stop now..." he began, voice husky, "...I won’t be able to stop. And I don’t think you’re ready for that yet."

I blinked, heart thudding harder, and then nodded. "You’re probably right."