Page 195 of Rite of Unity

She nodded.

I waited.

"Yes."

I kissed her again, exploring her mouth.

Her fingers slid between us, tugging buttons loose until my shirt hung open.Her hands pressed against my bare chest, against my thundering heart.

“You’ll give yourself a heart attack,” she breathed.

I grinned, biting her lip playfully before sitting up and sliding out of my shirt.

Maryn followed my lead, tugging the loose fabric hanging from her shoulders down, exposing the most perfect pair of breasts I’d ever seen.

I dipped my mouth to a pink bud, sucking it between my teeth and nipping gently.

She moaned, hands sliding into my hair.I sucked harder, fingers tracing down her arms.Goosebumps pebbled under my touch, and I released her nipple, tugging her up until she was on her knees.

I slid the fabric at her waist down and looked up.

“You’re not wearing underwear.”

Her cheeks flushed..“I didn’t have time.”

I smiled.“I’m not complaining.”

She lifted one leg, then the other, steadying herself on my shoulder as I pulled her dress out from under her.

“Don’t ruin that one.Vera will kill me.”

“She can make you a new one.”

Maryn frowned, and I laughed, standing.“Fine.”I picked up the dress, sliding it onto one of my hangers in the closet.“Better?”

She nodded and beckoned me forward.

I hovered by the closet, taking her in.She was wearing nothing but the sapphires I’d sent her.The most beautiful creature I’d ever had the pleasure of knowing.In this moment, I knew I could do anything as long as she was by my side.

“Elias,” she flushed pink all the way down her chest.“You’re staring.”

I smiled, prowling toward her.“I can’t help it.”

I set a knee on the bed, crawling toward her.“You’re perfect.”I wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer until our skin was pressed together.Nothing had ever felt more right.

“And you’re mine.”

Chapter 49

Maryn

Isatup,wrappingmyarms over my chest to cover my sore nipples from the chill in the air.I could have said no.But I needed him to trust me.

My dress hung in his closet, perfectly pressed.But I stared at it and frowned.Something so bright would be visible against the black backdrop of the night.

I crossed the room, tugging one of his black button-down shirts from its hanger and sliding my arms inside.

Nervous energy shot through me as I glanced over my shoulder.His face was still pressed into the pillow, lashes resting against his cheek.