“Enough.” He cut me off, hovering over me. “How could you assume I’d ever think something like that? It was not your fault. Even if he really did something, which he couldn’t because you fought him bravely, I’d never feel disgusted by you. Never. I’ll always love you and support you no matter what, Emerald. Always keep that in your mind.”

My lower lip trembled. “Then why haven’t you kissed me yet?”

It was always me who had to push him away to take some breath because he wouldn’t leave my lips and chest alone when he would finally get me all to himself at night. But tonight, he didn’t try to kiss me even once, not even a peck on my lips.

A sigh left him. Pressing his forehead against mine, he bumped his nose with mine. “Because I didn’t want to do anything reckless out of my desperation that’d trigger something for you.”

His words surged warmth through my heart.

I shook my head, circling my arms around his neck. “You’re not him. Your touch would never trigger something for me. The only thing it can do is soothe me. Make my heart feel content.”

Letting out a breath, he cupped my cheeks. “You want me to kiss you?”

I nodded.

“My queen’s wish is my command.”

And then his lips were on mine. Capturing my mouth into a passionate knee weakening kiss, he pulled me closer. It wasn’t his regular kiss, hard and demanding. It was slow, soothing, yet possessive. The kind of kiss that would make anyone forget anything.

Wrapping my legs around his waist, I clung to him and enjoyed his kiss as much as I could, forgetting everything for a moment. His touch made me forget. Only he could do that to me.

Pressing a firm kiss on my lips one last time, he pulled me back into his chest. I placed my head over his heart. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed my own.

“Thank you.”

“What for?” he asked.

“F-for always being there for me. For coming at the right moment to save me.” A single tear left my eye. I shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he hadn’t arrived in time.

I could feel him shaking his head. “I’ll always be there, no matter what. But you don’t need me to save you. You can do that yourself. You were doing it pretty good. He was hissing in pain when I broke in.”

Though he tried to lighten my mood, I could feel the edge in his voice. I could hear his need to destroy something. Destroy Warner.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Now what’s that for?” He played with my hair.