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“Wren.”

She stops.

“I have spent thousands of years watching mortals love one another.”

Her eyes meet mine.

“I have seen men abuse women while claiming to adore them. I have watched lovers betray each other for wealth, power, and pleasure. I have witnessed husbands die protecting their wives and mothers sacrifice everything for their children.”

Her lips part.

“I know what love looks like. I know what it does to people. I know the difference between devotion and possession.”

I draw her closer.

“And in all those centuries, no one has ever made me feel alive the way you do.”

Her eyes fill again.

“I love you with every bit of my immortal soul, little flower.”

A tear slips down her cheek.

I kiss it away.

She laughs softly.

“You’re really not making it easy for me to resist you.”

“Then stop trying.”

“Bossy.”

“Hopelessly.”

She slides her fingers into my hair.

“Do you know what the worst part is?”

“What?”

“I actually like you.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“How unfortunate.”

“Terribly.”

She smiles.

Then kisses me.

And Hades help me, I am lost.

Her mouth is warm and sweet, her fingers curling against my scalp as she presses closer. I hold her carefully, one hand against her back, the other cradling her face.

The kiss deepens.