His chest rumbled with a low growl that went straight to my core. "Focus, Sophie."
"You focus. You're the one pressed against me."
"Do you want me to stop?"
"I want you to stop torturing me with this waiting game."
Christian's hands tightened on my hips. "Two more days."
"That's forever."
"It's necessary."
I spun in his arms, my patience snapping. "Why? Why is it necessary to wait when we both know—"
"Because Elder Sarah is watching for any excuse to invalidate your trials." His voice turned harsh. "Because if I claim you now, they'll say you earned Luna status through seduction instead of merit. Because I need your position to be unquestionable."
"I don't care what they say."
"I do." His forehead pressed against mine. "I care about protecting you. Even from
