Soleil. Sunshine. Yeah. He could see that.
He learned to always keep his hands steady. It didn’t matter how much blood was in the room, or who was giving orders, or if he knew what was coming, he’d learned absolute control. Absolute.
I cannot lie to you,” he whispered. “You know my thoughts. You know the beast that dwells inside. I try to be gentle with you, to listen to you. Always that wildness breaks free, but you tame me. Raven, please, I need you. And you need me. Your body is weak, I can feel your hunger. Your mind is fragmented – allow me to heal you. Your body cries out for mine as mine does for yours. Kiss me, Raven. Do not give up on us.
I give you my word. You’re totally safe with me.
He needed to keep this woman with him. He didn’t even know why the compulsion was so strong, but that need was relentless, bone deep. Soul deep.
Ice wanted her. For whatever reason, he might even need her.
Love for her welled up so strong, so intense, the pressure in his chest made him feel as if he might be having a heart attack.
She knew, more than any other reason, it was the way Steele touched her, the way his hands moved over her and the look on his face when he stared down into her eyes that kept her tied to him. He couldn’t hide that.
She put her hand in his, and he smiled. It was as if for her, the sun came out. His smile took her breath and made her inexplicably happy because, she sensed, he rarely smiled and it was like a gift.
Gregori wanted her. More than that, he needed her. That particular revelation changed everything. It put control back in her hands, gave her back her life. She squared her shoulders. She was no longer a child running from a nameless fear. She was his lifemate, chosen by God to walk with a man of power, of honor. A sensual, strong male who needed her more than anyone else on earth ever could.
He needed to know she wanted to be with him. He needed to know someone loved him. He didn’t believe himself worthy of love, so he had a difficult time believing she really wanted to be with him.
Nicolas didn’t want the couple there. It was petty of him and made him feel ashamed and even stupid that he wanted more time alone with Lara. He had always been so self-assured, but now he feared losing her, feared she would leave him – or stay with him because of the lifemate bond, but never find it in her heart to love him.
Ask any of my brothers, nothing stops me. No one stops me. I got the name Steele because I’m unbending.
His mouth found each of her eyelids, then drifted down her cheek to the corner of her lips. “Don’t protest. Just listen to me. I’v thought about this for a long time. Your life is in danger. You’ve accepted that, and you’re willing to chance our love. But I couldn’t live with your death at my hands. I can’t, Isabella.” He kissed her mouth, her soft, pliant lips, drawing strength from her, her endless courage becoming his.
I’d die for my club, but I want my own woman, one worthy of living for.
Soleil’s laughter warmed him when he thought nothing could. She moved something inside him, things he thought dead or never there in the first place. She brought out his desire to be better. She chased his demons away.
There’s danger in separating yourself from everyone, not wanting anyone to see inside of you where you’re vulnerable. We know the world isn’t safe and perfect like the fairy tales. But if you let it eat away at you, when that one comes along, that woman you know is going to make your world for you, you won’t see her, because you’re too busy hiding. I almost missed my chance with her.
He kissed her gently, tenderly, opening his mind as much as he dared, wanting to share himself with her. His love was wild, obsessive, protective, certainly not given easily, but given completely to her.
It was the worst nightmare possible for a boy like Steele. He felt responsiblity, even when he was just very little. Something in him needed to help all of us.
A fuckin’ miracle, that’s what you are.