That I accepthim.
That he’ll never be alone again.
And once he sees just how honest I am, we’ll be free to be us.
Forever.
“You’re right. I am tired.” I turn my face to kiss his palm, coaxing a low, satisfied sound from the back of his throat. “Goodnight, Alaric.”
“Night, little devil.”
31
LILITH
Just like he’s done for the past three days, about an hour before noon, Alaric storms into the cafeteria, looking more like a man on a mission than a doctor.
With shoulders squared and his stride long and determined, he eats up the distance between us.
My heart skips a beat or a thousand at the sight of him, all sharp edges and raw intensity. This man’s aura is so potent that even his mussed hair, day-old scruff, and the dark circles under his eyes can’t diminish it. In fact, they only make him seem stronger, more attractive.
A whimper almost escapes when his ravenous gaze lands on mine. I’m a goner. Lost, and yet found. Breathing and choking.
Feeling every-fucking-thing.
“Go,” Hope whispers at my side. “I’ve got this.”
And even though my knees wobble and I don’t trust my feet to move, I do just that. I round the counter and run straight into his arms, burying my face in his chest.
“Alaric.”
That one word makes all that coiled, driving force in him go still.
“Lilith.” One of his hands cradles the back of my head as the other settles possessively on my back.
I don’t purr, don’t make a sound, just revel in the way his heart calms the longer he holds me.
It’s not a guess or some wishful thinking. Alaric said as much the first time he came for me like this, the day after we played doctor at my apartment.
Our dirty game was hot, sure. It also changed something between us. It’s as if our trust in one another has deepened, as if our connection has transformed into a bond.
Which is why it hurts to be apart, even for a few hours.
It’s a lot.
It’s too soon.
But this is what finding your soulmate looks like.
“How are you?” His lips brush the top of my head, his voice calm.
“Good.” I snuggle closer, not caring that people are watching. “You?”
“I’ll tell you.” The feel of his hands skimming over my back is exquisite. “Only after you tell me one good thing about your day.”
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being worshipped and cared for like this. Will never stop craving it, either.
It’s a good thing. The best, actually, because Alaric is obsessed with touching me.