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“How about Mateo?” I glance at the couch.

“He’ll deal. The forest makes up for his residence on the couch,” she laughs.

“I want your family to be comfortable.” I stare at her as she walks closer.

“Aria will be excited to be close.” She stops in front of me. “Are you sure they can stay?”

“Of course. She’ll be safe here.”

“I know. We may have overreacted with her protection, but I think it was necessary at the time. She’s far from helpless. Now, she should be able to live the life she wants.” She touches my chest. “Thank you for supporting my decision.”

“You want her here. It wasn’t hard. Not many warlocks are more powerful than Rome.” I stare at her bare shoulder, craving the feel of her skin.

“And you,” she says softly, dropping her arm.

“How do you know?” Dragging my focus to her face.

“Remember, I can read your magic.” She smiles gently, and I step closer.

“What does it say?” I ask roughly, taking another step.

She inhales sharply.

“You hold so much power,” she whispers. “But you're afraid. You have kept a tight leash on your spells, and don’t trust that they will do your bidding. I can sense the love you have for Rome, and you’ve relied on him to keep you controlled. Trust is difficult for you. To trust other people outside your circle, but mostly trust in yourself.”

I lean forward, our faces close. “And you still want to be with me?”

“Yes,” she says faintly, her focus moving to my lips.

“Mmm…” I remain still, and her body sways forward, her breasts grazing my chest.

Her breath brushes my lips, and her eyes are begging me to taste. Our spells react to our emotions, and our bodies being so close. They want to play, and so do I. Savy is more than I could have hoped for. Her energy is covering mine with light. I want to allow her to heal my damaged soul. I cup either side of her head and pull her in.

The first taste makes me want more. She opens eagerly, and I take control. She wraps her arms around my waist, sinking against my body, trusting me completely. Her fingers spread over my back, pressing lightly. I tilt my head, savoring her submission, deepening the kiss. I drag one hand down, touching her neck and traveling down the side of her body. Once I reach her hip, I squeeze before gliding around her waist and lifting her against my body. Her feet come off the floor, and I hold her securely, enjoying the feel of her softness. She adjusts her arms and grips under my shoulders.

The kiss turns wild, hard, and consuming. She slides her arms around my neck, and I drop my hand from her face, sliding it to the back of her head. Holding her how I want her, she gasps into my mouth. I reluctantly pull back. Our breath is ragged as we stare at each other.

I won’t ever give her up.

“Damn,” she rasps.

“Yeah.” I didn’t know kissing someone could be life-changing. With Savy, I felt my world tilt. I wonder if Rome felt like this? As if life were a series of days with no purpose until Savy walked into my world.

The buzzing of her phone penetrates the lust I’m feeling.

“Crap,” she mutters, frowning.

“It could be your sister.” I ease her to her feet, and she releases me.

She lets out a breath and steps back, pulling her phone from her pocket.

“Lace, what’s up?” She glances at me, the heat still in her gaze. “What?” Her eyes widen. “No.” She closes her eyes, and I wish I had super hearing as shifters do. “Are you kidding?” she grits out, rubbing her forehead. “Yeah. We’re coming. If Rome has to freeze them, I give my permission.” She shakes her head. “Don’t let them be assholes to you.” She hangs up. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time.” She gulps.

“What?”

“My parents are at the store. They found me.”

My soul bond shouldn’t ever have fear in her eyes.