I bite down on my lip harder, trying to dissuade the feeling unfurling in my lower stomach, my heartbeat picking up as I try to focus on something else.

I turn around, looking back at the task before me, trying to stop the growing heat between my legs from building any further.

Find the Prismaloct piece. Focus on the task at hand.

I pick up anything in front of me and try to focus on it, quickly noticing a spelled package with Isaiah’s name on it. I open it, and there sits a small crystal fragment with intricate gold wiring up its sides, almost the shape of a flower bud inside. It looks so delicate. I check the letter attached to the package, only a sender's name on it. ‘Barius.’

This must be the Prismaloct piece.

“Jace, I think I found—” Suddenly, I feel heat on my back. He stands directly behind me, his chest pressed up against me, as his hand reaches for the small letter in front of me.

He places a hand on the paper I'm holding, his scent wafting around me, the musky, woody scent that's all Jace. I feel the heat from his body on my back, his heartbeat picking up pace, matching my own. His hand slides on top of mine, encasing the hand holding the small letter in his own.

I feel his breath on my neck. It sends a shiver down my spine and to my lower stomach. I feel him stiffen behind me, the gentle intake of breath before he calls me.

“Rhys.”

I tilt my head to the side to look behind me and at him just as he bends closer to me, our lips slightly brushing each other with the sudden movement.

We both freeze. I feel his breath on my face as his hand slowly reaches for my cheek. He brushes down to my jaw and leans further in, tilting my head with his hand to meet his lips, placing a gentle kiss on them. I open my mouth as he slowly deepens the kiss. His tongue languidly caresses my own, taking my bottom lip into his mouth and gently teasing it with his teeth, the small scrape sending a jolt to my core. A twinkle in his warm eyes as he slowly continues to stroke my tongue with his own. Time slows to a halt as we taste each other.

I’m completely surrounded by his scent, his touch, and his taste on my lips as he intertwines his tongue with mine, consuming me fully with every twirl and stroke. I arch into him, my body wanting more…wanting everything he can give me and then some.

An answering growl rings out as he pushes further into me, taking the package from my hands and placing it onto the table, and pushing the cases to the side, never leaving the spot behind me.

“Rhys…” His voice is more husky and breathy as he places his lips closer to my neck, lightly brushing along my runes and the sensitive skin there. It sends a jolt straight to my core, my nipples pebbling instantly.