Then the kiss changed, deepening and heating. His tongue slid into my mouth with greedy little licks, sending shivers down my spine. I arched into him and his arms supported me and clutched me close. I felt desired and protected.

And so very, very hot.

Torran’s hand crept up my ribs and glided over my breast. My nipples tightened, and I sucked in a breath.

He pulled back and met my eyes. “Okay?”

“So good,” I assured. I tapped his armor. “Let’s peel you out of that, yeah?”

I helped Torran remove his armor and base layer, and he helped me remove my shirt and pants, leaving us both in our undergarments. I wished I had worn something sexier, and I wished my skin wasn’t marred with scars, but based on the heat in Torran’s eyes, he didn’t mind at all.

I ran my hands up his chest, something I’d wanted to do ever since I’d seen him in the pool. His skin was flawless once again, thanks to Havil’s healing ability, and his muscles tensed and flexed under my exploring fingers. I pressed a kiss to his pec and let my tongue flicker out for a taste. He groaned deep in his chest.

He guided my mouth back to his, kissing me deeply before sliding his lips across my jaw and down my neck. He fingered the edge of my bra. “May I remove this?”

Rather than answering, I unclasped it and let the fabric slide down my arms. He tossed it away and then his hot mouth closed around my nipple at the same time his power swept down my body, phantom fingers against my skin. Pleasure exploded and I arched into him, holding him in place.

My legs turned wobbly. “Bed,” I gasped.

Torran lifted me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. Two thin pieces of fabric were all that separated us, and his length nudged exactly where I wanted him. Maybe beds were overrated.

Torran turned his attention to my neglected breast and I briefly wondered if anyone had died of pleasure—right before I lost the ability to think at all.

I rocked against him, mindless and wanting, while he whispered Valovan endearments against my skin.

“What are you saying?” I asked with a moan as he hit a particularly fantastic spot. I slid against him again, chasing bliss.

“My darling, my love, my precious heart,” he murmured, his voice dark with an edge of a growl. “So beautiful and desirable. I want you so much.”

“Then have me,” I demanded. “Now.”

“Patience,” he growled.

“Patience later. Satisfaction now.” I let my legs drop from around his waist and shimmied my underwear off, beyond awkwardness. The proof of his desire was unmistakable, and his words had driven me to the edge.