AARYN
The sheer heat in her gaze almost undid his already shredded the control. But dammit, he knew what she was doing. Knew where it came from. Knew what she was afraid of. And he couldn't let her do it.
They stood there a moment, twin breaths panting, the only noise breaking the never-silence of the forest as they stared at each other.
She blinked several times, then pushed off the tree to stand straight. "Why did you stop?"
He swallowed. And prayed. "Because it isn't like this for everyone—with everyone, El. But you aren't… this isn't… I don't think you want... me."
Her eyes widened and she actually laughed. "Are you serious, Aaryn? I've literally never wanted anyone the way I want you right now."
He closed his eyes, he had to. The joy in her gaze, the heat there… it would make him give in. But her mother's words to him were echoing in his head, and he knew they were true…
