Chapter 40
Xena’s POV
“Yeah. I just find it hard to open up,” I finally said, breaking the silence between us. “I
want to. I want you to hold me and kiss me and tell me everything will be okay. But what happens when Friday comes and you can’t give me that anymore because you’ve found
your mate? Where does that leave me?”
My voice trembled slightly despite my efforts to keep it steady. I’d never been this
vulnerable with anyone before. It felt like I was cutting open my chest and showing him
my heart, not knowing if he’d protect it or crush it in his hands.
Ryder sighed, turning to face forward, hands resting on his knees. “I’m sorry.”
The rejection stung worse than I’d anticipated. I stood up, ready to leave, to run away from this suffocating feeling of worthlessness that threatened to consume me. But Ryder
grabbed my hand before I could take a step.
“Fuck it,” I heard him mutter under his breath. Then he yanked me back, his movement so sudden it caught me off guard. One arm circled my waist, pulling me toward him; his other hand wrapped around my neck, fingers tangling in my hair, gently tugging my head back. And then his lips crashed against mine in the most passionate kiss I’d ever
experienced.
The moment his lips touched mine, I melted into him. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as I surrendered to his embrace. A soft moan escaped my throat, my eyelids fluttering at the intensity of sensations flooding through me.
This reaction was something I’d never felt with Samuel. It sparked hope within me – hope that Ryder could be my destined mate. Deep inside, a certainty I’d never known before began to grow. Maybe this was fate’s guidance? Maybe he was the one?
Ryder bent down, his hands encircling my thighs. He lifted me up, pressing me against a nearby tree. The rough bark against my back was a stark contrast to the softness of his lips as they moved from my mouth to my neck.
“I–we–can’t go further,” I managed to say, though everything in my body screamed for more. I grabbed his head, pulling him back up to my lips for another scorching kiss. The
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Chapter 40
scent of my arousal filled the air between us, enticing him. I could feel his hardness. pressing against me, and it took every ounce of willpower not to grind against him.
Our kiss gradually slowed, and Ryder lowered me to my feet. He braced one hand against the tree above my head, supporting himself, while his other hand remained on my waist. His touch was like electricity, making every inch of my skin sing.
“I don’t regret it. I’ve never felt this way before,” Ryder whispered.
“Me neither. I really hope you turn out to be mine.” The words rushed out of me with a sincerity that surprised even myself. Ryder didn’t respond verbally, but he gave me several gentle kisses, each one like a silent promise that made my heart flutter.
“We should go,” he finally said softly.
“Okay,” I agreed, but neither of us moved. I was stalling, not wanting to break this perfect moment, afraid that once we left this place, the magic would disappear. I opened my eyes
to find him staring intently at me.
“You’re incredibly beautiful,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face, looking utterly lost. There was a depth in his gaze I couldn’t quite read, making me feel both exposed and treasured.
“What is it?” I asked.
“If you end up not being my mate, I’ll be shocked, and I’ll have to challenge whoever gets you.” His words sent a thrill through me. I felt warmth spread through my chest at the thought that he would fight for me.
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