“Of course, we can talk,” he murmured. “We can do whatever you want.”
Nothing was off-limits when it came to her.
River’s hand twitched in his, and then the stunning woman he’d spent years pushing away led him through the halls of Waterborn House. Her high ponytail bounced as they walked, teasing him. What would it be like to wrap it around his fist while he took her from behind? His dick twitched as he imagined the way he’d make her scream and beg for him.
Soon, he promised himself.
Soon, they’d get to do all the things he dreamed of.
They passed several doors before River led him into what appeared to be a small library.
Nikhail had never been in this room before, but that didn’t surprise him. The mansion was enormous, and even though he’d visited a dozen times with Ryker, he’d never had the chance to go exploring.
The library was beautiful, which made sense. The Representative of the Fae would never have a room in her home that wasn’t properly decorated. Shelves filled with leather-bound tomes occupied half the space, leaving room for a cozy sitting area. Two crimson velvet armchairs rested on the edge of a dark grey carpet near a bricked-in, unlit fireplace. A matching crimson settee sat nearby.
Before, this room would’ve served as a reminder of all the reasons why he and River wouldn’t have worked. Not anymore. Nikhail searched for that fear within himself, pleased to discover it was gone. What he and River had was bigger than money, social class, or age gaps.
River shut the door behind them and steered him towards the armchairs. That wouldn’t do. Not today.
He tugged her over to the settee, pulling her down with him. It wasn’t really built for two—that much was noticeable the moment they sat.
River squeaked, but she didn’t pull away. Nikhail took that as leave to keep holding her hand. He’d forgotten how well they fit together—like they were always destined to be together. His thigh pressed against hers, and something settled within him.
Whoever designed this too-small settee deserved a raise.
Honestly, if Nikhail didn’t think it would scare River, he’d pull her onto his lap and wrap his arms around her, resting his head on hers for this conversation. As it was, he slid his arm around her and pressed her against his side.
It felt like years had passed since they’d last been in thesame room together, and he was craving her like his lungs craved air. Had he merely wanted her before?
Now, he was desperate for her.
Nikhail had no idea how he’d gone so long without River, but he had no plans to give her up. Not if he could help it.
On impulse, he leaned over and brushed his lips over River’s. Her mouth was soft and plump and entirelyher. She tasted like salt and rain and everything he’d been missing in his life.
The kiss, if it could be called that since it was just a brief meeting of their mouths, was over far too soon. She pressed her forehead against his and breathed in shakily.
“I like you, Nik.” Her whispered confession was so quiet that if he wasn’t in tune with the wind, he never would’ve heard it.
“Oh, River.” He pulled back just enough to look at her, his heart lifting at her words. “I like you, too.”
He more than liked her, if he was being honest.
He wasn’t entirely sure when the scales had tipped. Was it when she’d come to him for help with her storm? Or perhaps when she’d scolded him in the hospital? Or had he fallen head over heels for her the first day they met, all those years ago?
In the end, he supposed it didn’t matter when it had happened, only that it did. He’d fallen down the road of “liking” River to something more, and he knew in his heart that what he felt for her was unparalleled.
Was it too soon for that? Too soon to tell her that his heart belonged to her, that she’d stolen it, and he never wanted it back?
Probably.
It didn’t feel like that, though. If anything, it felt like this had been years in the making.
“I know you do,” she whispered, her bottom lip wobbling. Why was it doing that? Why was she upset?
He didn’t have the chance to ask before she added, “And that makes this so much harder.”
Wait.