Page 31

I scoff and walk into the kitchen. “Asshole,” I mutter under my breath.

“I heard that,” he calls out after me.

“I’m happy for you. Good hearing might be the only thing you’ve got going for you.”

“Whatever. What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” I lie as I stand on my tiptoes, trying to reach a big pot. If there’s one thing I’ve learned while spending time at the clubhouse, it’s that they eat a lot. I’m sure Primal has to be hungry. It’s not like he can go out and find something to eat. He’s stuck in here with me. Besides, I like to keep busy. I’m not one for sitting around twiddling my thumbs.

Just as my fingertips brush the edge of the pot, Primal is there, right behind me. “Sibley, what. . .” he curses, and I squeal as the pot tumbles toward my head.

Primal catches it just inches before it hits me.

“What the hell, woman. Why can’t you just ask for help?”

“I don’t need help. I could’ve gotten it on my own,” I yell back at him, spinning to face him.

“Yeah, and a damn concussion to go with it.”

“For the record, I can’t get a concussion," I snap, shoving against his chest. "Ugh, I don’t know why anyone thought this would be a good idea. You don’t need to be here. I’m perfectly capable of doing things on my own.” I storm out of the kitchen, needing to put some space between myself and him.

“Oh no, you don’t," Primal snarls, grabbing my arm to stop me from walking away and getting in my face. "Don’t you run away from me. I’m tired of this. You realize everyone needs help at some point, right? It’s not just you or me. What’s with this overconfidence? It’s not needed.”

“Overconfidence? Is that what you think this is? I’m alone, Primal. I’ve been alive for centuries. Millennia. And I’ve been alone. I’ve always done things on my own. Sure, I have Orpheus and Aziz, but they’ve never had to feel what I do. They don’t know just how alone I’ve felt. They don’t face the same problems I do. They don’t have the same worries. Depending on people makes me weak. I can’t afford to be weak.” Anger surges through me, but it’s instantly replaced by calm as Primal slowly reaches up and cradles my face.

“You’re not weak, Sibley. You are by far the strongest woman I’ve ever met. The only one who has ever pushed me to the very edge and not worried about the blowback. The one I know will stand at the edge of the fire and not bat an eyelash. Just because you had to be on your own in the past doesn’t mean it always has to be that way. All you have to do is let someone in.”

I’m breathless, but I still manage to say, “You. Should I let you in?”

He closes the minuscule distance between his body and mine. “I’ve already let you in. I’ve tried to push you away, to keep you at a distance, but I can’t deny it anymore. You are so deep inside me that it feels like your blood is running through my veins. I feel when you hurt. I feel when you’re scared. I feel all of you. Don’t try to lock me out because I can’t lock you out, even if I truly wanted to.”

“Primal, I can’t. . . I shouldn’t . . . I’ve never . . .” I just can’t get the words out. Can’t explain to him what happens if we give in to the intense feelings swirling around us right now.

I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t want to throw it all to the wind and let him take me without hesitation. I want him. I want Primal to go completely feral with me. I want to see all he is and make space for him in my heart.

Space, I’m sure, is already there.

But if I give in, I lose myself.

A deep part of me argues that I may already be losing myself. At least with Primal, I could do it with someone I know cares for me. Someone who sees me. Cherishes me in his own way. Someone who challenges me.

“Tell me you don’t want me to make you mine. Tell me I’m wrong about all this.”

I fight as hard as I can.

I know what I’m about to lose, but instead of fearing the intimacy that is wrapping around the two of us, all I can fear is peace. I’m at peace with the decision I’m about to make. Even if it means nothing will ever be the same again, I’m okay with that.

“You’re not wrong. Take me, Primal. Take all of me.”

The words barely leave my mouth before his sensual lips are pressed against mine. Seconds later, the pent-up tension that has been building between us spills out. All that’s left is need and connection.

Both of us baring our souls to each other, all the secrets for either of us to see.

Chapter

Eighteen

Primal