Lucian’s mouth was warm against mine.
I released all the doubts I had held and gave in to him. He was mine—and if it led us into ruin and despair, then so be it. I had demons to face, and to face them, I couldn’t leave any part of our bond unsaid.
When he pulled back, his hand stayed on my cheek, like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go.
“Stay,” he whispered. “Just stay here with me.”
“I can’t,” I said softly. “Not tonight.”
He closed his eyes like the words physically hurt. His thumb traced my jaw.
“Then… give me a minute to remember this moment.”
I almost smiled. “You won’t have to remember long.”
“Angel…”
“Shh.” I pressed my forehead to his. “We have a sliver of night before the world tries to eat us again. Let’s take it.”
We didn’t go far—just to the old willow grove at
