HIS FORBIDDEN CLAIM

CHAPTER 44— Worst Timing, Lucas 😑

Kaela’s breaths still came soft and uneven against his chest.

Vionn’s arms were locked around her like she was the only thing keeping him alive.

Like if he let go—

she’d vanish again.

Her fingers rested on his jawline, feeling the slight stubble there.

Touching him felt different now… deeper… warmer… terrifying in a way that made her heart flutter.

Vionn’s eyes burned into hers.

“You scared the hell out of me,” he whispered, voice low… rough… too vulnerable.

Kaela swallowed.

“I’m sorry.”

“That’s not good enough,” he murmured, leaning closer until his lips brushed her cheek—

not quite a kiss, but close enough to steal her breath.

“I will never let anything take you from me again,” he said slowly.

A vow.

A threat to the world.

Kaela’s heart slammed against her ribs.

Her fingers slid into his hair, and Vionn’s control snapped—

just one moment of weakness.

His lips finally crashed against hers—

soft, desperate, claiming her like he’d been waiting a lifetime.

Kaela gasped into the kiss—

and that only made him kiss her deeper.

His hand cupped the back of her neck, holding her exactly where he wanted her.

She melted instantly.

Into him.

For him.

He pulled her against his chest and she didn’t resist—

she clung.

His mouth traveled from her lips to her jaw—

slow—

dangerous—

sending shivers racing down her spine.

She whispered his name like a secret:

“Vionn…”

He groaned at the sound—

a dark, beautiful sound she felt all the way down to her toes.

Just as his lips found the soft skin beneath her ear—

the door swung open.

“Vionn—!”

Lucas froze.

Vionn froze.

Kaela froze…

while still curled in Vionn’s lap…

while Vionn’s hand was still under her shirt…

while Vionn’s mouth was very much on her neck.

Lucas blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Then:

“Oh. Oh… shit.”

He slapped a hand over his eyes.

“I am so sorry. I thought she was still unconscious and—ugh—WHY are you glaring at me?! I SAID I’M SORRY—”

Vionn’s voice dropped to a murderous growl:

“Out.”

“I’m going!” Lucas yelped, already backing out.

He fumbled with the door handle.

“Just—uh—take your time. Please don’t kill me. Bye!”

SLAM.

Silence.

Kaela’s entire face was fire.

Vionn didn’t move.

Didn’t speak.

Just stared at the door with a look that could destroy worlds.

Kaela bit her lip to stop a laugh—

and regretted it instantly when Vionn’s eyes snapped back to her.

His gaze dropped to her mouth.

Slowly.

Darkly.

“We were not finished,” he murmured, voice deep and sinful.

Kaela forgot how to breathe.

His hand slid from under her shirt—

not away—

but down to her waist, pulling her flush against him again.

And with a low promise against her lips—

“We’ll continue… later.”

Her heart nearly exploded.