Page 63 of Crystal Luna
Velora took that opportunity to swiftly change the subject. “So… I’m your best friend?”
“Yes. Unless you prefer not to be.”
“I want to.”
He turned his bright smile on her. “Best friends it is.”
That evening, she walked in on Heath and Beta Wayne sharing a bottle of whisky and swearing over a stack of papers.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Beta Wayne turned his head to look over his shoulder. “Your interruption is very welcome.”
She advanced into the room and the papers came into view: receipts.
“We’re trying to be accountants and are failing miserably.”
She chuckled and sat next to Wayne. “Did it cross your mind that it could be the alcohol?”
“How dare you speak to your beta like that,” he joked, making a point to down the rest of his drink. “But I do believe we should take a break. I’m pretty sure you didn’t come here to watch us work. Especially now that the kids are in bed.” He winked, gave Velora a mischievous grin, and left the two of them alone.
“How was your hike with Rayan?” Heath asked as the front door closed.
“Good—we’ve decided we’re best friends.”
He stood and rounded the desk, taking her by the hand and pulling her after him. “I guess the whole pack knew that before you two did.”
“Just like with us,” she giggled as he pulled her to his bedroom.
As usual, he offered her clothes to wear. But this time she didn’t wait for him to leave the room. After her talk with Rayan, she felt more confident to try something; just to see what would happen. She pulled her shirt off and let it flutter to the floor. Her leggings followed, leaving her standing in nothing but her underwear. Heath froze in a half-step towards the door, his eyes fixed on her.
Time seemed to stand still for a moment before Heath began to take slow, calculated steps towards her. She followed his gaze as it travelled from her neck, over her shoulders and down to her breasts before continuing south. The air thickened as he reached out and let his fingertips graze her bare shoulder, pushing her bra strap aside.
“You’re gorgeous, Velora. So much stronger now.”
It was only then that she remembered he had seen her naked before, but at her weakest: the day she’d arrived at his borders—and the day she’d been injured by the rogues.
“You look more like yourself.”
“Thank you.” His finger danced over her collarbone and to her other shoulder, and she took the initiative to reach for his shirt, slipping her hands beneath the fabric. “I feel more like myself now.”
When she looked up at him, she was showered with so much pride that it spread warmth over her entire body. She pushed the fabric higher, until he grabbed it by the collar to pull it over his head. She knew he was toned, but being up close and personal with all those muscles was so much sweeter than anything her imagination could conjure. Now she could fully appreciate him—every inch of him.
He pinched her chin between his thumb and index finger, tilting her head up. Slowly, hesitantly, he laid his lips on hers. The kiss was soft and sweet as he brought their bodies closer together. She closed her eyes and lost herself in him, in the way the whisky burned on her lips.
He guided her back until her legs hit the bed, momentarily breaking the kiss as he laid her down. She slid to the middle of the bed, his eyes watching her every move. He pounced, pinning her to the sheets as his lips captured hers in a bruising kiss. Her legs wrapped around his waist, her hands explored his body. They travelled over his neck, his shoulders and down his spine until she could pull his hips even closer.
Velora ached for him all the way down to her core. Her body tingled in anticipation of his touch. By now she knew she should have felt something hard against her, but it didn’t come. She knew she couldn’t blame him, but a small pang of disappointment hit her gut.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered when he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers.
“No need for apologies.”
“It’s not you. Please believe me, you’re gorgeous.”
“Close your eyes, Heath.”
He did, and she watched his chest move as he fought for each breath.