“Yes, but is it because of your love for me”—he narrowed his eyes, a flicker of doubt taking root—“or was it the deal you made with Lucifer that demanded you finish our bond?”
“My deal with Lucifer has nothing to do with mating you. I did not have to complete our union to benefit from your healing touch.” She yanked one hand free of his hold, then cupped his cheek. “I could’ve returned any time I needed you, and you would’ve welcomed me. Do not forget that.”
Because the mate bond, even a partial one, would demand he comfort and care for her, no matter what.
“Maybe not welcomed.” He leaned into her touch. “I would’ve been bitter.”
“But you would’ve healed me.” She lifted her bottom, and his erection slid along her slick lower lips. “Loved me.”
“Lust and sex are not the same as love. You’ve said so yourself.” And that difference was the only thing that would save him from the sin he’d soon commit.
“No. They are not, but I do love you.” She pressed her lips to his. “And mated to you, I never have to exist without you.”
A mere thought connected them, allowing him to take her pain into himself whether she was across the fortress or in the heavens.
“Yes.” He dipped his head. “We complement each other.”
“In more ways than one.”
“In all ways.” A tilt of his hips, and he pushed his length into her on a slow, steady thrust that threatened to steal his sanity. His breath escaped on a hiss, while hers caught.
Carnal desires hadn’t existed before Minerva. She’d awakened him, accepted his wildness, and met his every demand.
His first and only lover.
He brushed her hair from her cheek and stared into her eyes. “I love you, my goddess.”
A small smile graced her lips. “And I love you, my dark lord.”
Her words wrapped around him and caused a lump to form once more in his throat.
No regrets. If he allowed them to take root, the world would suffer.
He dragged his length through her gripping muscles, then drove forward. She sucked in a breath, and he repeated the controlled, full thrust, again and again, urging her to experience the wonder of their union.
“Arawn.” She lifted her ass. Their groins met on a rough smack. “Harder.”
“Patience. Let me love you.”
“Yes.” She kissed along his jaw to his parted lips. “Show me how much.”
He took her mouth in a deep kiss and slowed the strokes of his cock. He wanted to enjoy every moment of being one with her. Each time, he experienced heaven.
He twined their tongues and ground his hips against hers. Although their souls were joined, and she carried a piece of his essence with her always, it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. Always. An eternity in her arms wouldn’t satisfy his craving for her.
He’d make their loving last all night before giving her relief.
She had other ideas. She fisted his hair, holding him in place and kissed him harder. Their teeth banged and tongues dueled, but he didn’t quicken his pace. He rocked into her, slowly and gently. He wanted to commit each second to memory.
A frustrated sound escaped her. She turned her head, breaking their kiss. “Please, Arawn. Harder.”
He stilled with the head of his cock lodged at the mouth of her womb. A nudge of his chin to hers, and he urged her to look at him. More black than gray, the stark desire displayed in her eyes pleased him. She needed to know how much.
“You are my heaven.” He rubbed his thumb over the corner of her mouth. “My personal goddess. No other female can take your place.”
She flashed him a smile. “I am glad, but considering I am the only lover you’ve ever taken, I don’t know if that’s a claim you can make.”
“You are the woman I love—today, tomorrow, for an eternity.” He held her gaze. “Sex has nothing to do with love. Tell me you understand this.”
Brows pinched, she stared at him for a long moment before she nodded. “I understand. It is the same as I feel. I slept with many males before you, but none had touched my heart.”
He hoped she remembered her words. “And I am grateful to have been the lucky male to have claimed it.”
She squeezed her inner muscles and squirmed under him. “Good, now fuck me. I need you.”
“And I love you, Minerva.” He slipped his hand under her and held her close. “Always, my mate. Always. Don’t ever forget that.”
She linked her arms around him. “I won’t, but why—”
He dragged his cock back and slammed forward, stopping her question. They fell into the dance they’d shared for over a century. Fast or slow, sex with Minerva always satisfied him.
He took her exactly as she’d demanded. Each stroke, he delivered harder than the last. She gripped him tighter, digging her nails into him. The bite of pain enflamed him more.
Harder, faster, he gave her everything.
Tingles spread across his skin. The pressure in his shaft built. His balls drew up.
No, not yet. He wasn’t ready. He bit the inside of his cheek, hung his head and concentrated on the act of their bodies coming together, but the slide of his rigid cock through her gripping core threatened to undo him.
Wet, warm, and inviting—she offered him everything a woman could give a man. Her caresses and kisses, however, showed him more. She treasured him, loved him, and accepted him.
She was his home.
“Arawn.” She widened her legs more, letting him sink as deep as he could into her body, then opened her soul to him. Her love swept through him, touching him as completely as her body welcomed him. “Fill me, my dark lord, complete me and maybe this time the Triad will grant my wish.”
To bear his child.
He dropped his head to her shoulder. “Maybe, my mate. Maybe.”
It’d be there their last chance. In his gut, he knew it wouldn’t happen. He pushed away the regret and gave himself over
