Marked For Strife by Susan Hayes

Author:Susan Hayes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Scroll Publications Ltd.

9

Rissa wanted to stay angry because it was easier than dealing with all the other emotions clamoring for her attention. Fear, grief, and embarrassment were all there, demanding their turn. Embarrassment was the loudest of the bunch. Her control had slipped and she’d gotten emotional. Worse, she’d let Strife see her like that—all vulnerable and messy. Even worse, she’d gone into a tailspin even though he was right. Destroying the beacon was the smart choice, especially for him. Her life wasn’t the only one at stake here.

Her reaction to his declaration had been more barbed than she intended, but it would allow her to regroup and redirect the conversation.

At least, that’s what she thought until he straightened his spine, squared his massive shoulders, and looked down at her like she was something small and squishy, which from his point of view was probably an accurate description.

Then he spoke, and his words made her pulse race and her insides melt into a puddle. “You will never question my ability to protect you again. I can, and I will. I’m a skilled hunter, soldier, and survivor. I will keep you alive. More than that, I will protect you, provide for you, and make you scream my name in pleasure. Repeatedly.”

She believed every word. “Is that a promise?”

Strife’s smile returned and his golden eyes glowed with something she couldn’t name. “Yes, blossom, that’s a promise.”

She placed both of her hands on his chest and slowly moved them up his body, to his shoulders, his neck, and then his face. She didn’t stop until the fingers of one hand were tangled in his hair, and she held on to one of his horns with the other. “Thank you. I know I wouldn’t last more than a few days on my own. I’d be stupid to pretend that wasn’t true. But I also meant what I said. Relationships are built on strong foundations made up of things like respect, trust, and honesty. I know that because it’s how my fathers make their marriage work. I don’t know what this is between us, but…”

Rissa paused and gathered up her courage. Things were about to get emotional and messy again, but this time it felt like the right thing to do. “If I have a choice, I’d like to try to make this thing between us real and good. Something that makes us both content, if not truly happy.”

She had no idea what Strife’s reaction would be, but she’d needed to say it. If staying here with him was the only option she had, she didn’t have many choices left to make… but she would choose to find what happiness she could.

He didn’t answer her in words, but he leaned down to claim her mouth with his, and his kiss was hot, hungry, and all-consuming. She decided that meant he agreed with her. Then she stopped thinking completely. It was so much easier to let go and enjoy the raw physical pleasure of being in his arms.

He kissed her until her head spun and her lungs burned.

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