I wanted to scream. I wanted to explode.

But Aaru was right. Neither of those were smart options, and I’d promised him that he still had me. I’d promised.

My anger unknotted, leaving behind a burning need. I closed the small space between us, and I kissed him.

It wasn’t like before. That evening on the ship had been bright and hesitant and glowing relief, before either of us had realized how terrible our situation could really become. Before his god had risen.

Now a spark ignited inside of me, and we were so close that I thought he might run. But he didn’t even flinch; his arms went around my waist and he pulled, drawing me near until our chests and stomachs and hips were tight together. A soft shiver worked through him, and his fingertips dug against my rain-damp clothes. His lips made the shape of my name; I slid my fingers against the line of his jaw, keeping his mouth open against mine.

My body felt electric next to his, as charged as the lightning that slashed open the sky. I kissed him harder, with a desperation he returned in every touch and shift and ragged breath.

The world narrowed to this space. Him. Me. Three walls and the rain. I could feel his heart pounding against mine, faster as one hand slid from my hip to my leg and back up again. A question.

“Yes.” I kissed his jaw, his throat, anywhere he would let me, while he explored the shape of my body with strong and careful hands. Everywhere he touched felt hot and bright, like he’d pressed stars into my skin.

I loved it, the way he made me feel, like I was seen and wanted and needed. I loved the way he nudged my hips back in suggestion, and when I took a shaking step, he guided me backward until my spine touched the cool wall. And I loved the gentle way he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. First my lips, then my chin, and down to the hollow of my throat. His breath was hot and fast against my skin, and I could almost feel him trying to decide whether he should keep going; the way his fingertips traveled down my shoulders suggested he wanted to. I wanted him to.

With a heavy breath, I lifted toward him, and he gave in. Carefully, he kissed my collarbone, then my breastbone, and my whole self shifted as he knelt and pressed his lips to my stomach. He poured fire into me, and I couldn’t get enough.

His hands caressed my hips, drawing me forward as he kissed a map of stars across my abdomen. A wonderful ache spread through me, but it was there that Aaru paused, gasping before he looked up at me. Dark eyes. Sharp jaw. Soft lips. I could have melted into him.

“I think . . .” His voice was deep. Husky. “I think we—”