Origin (Lux 4)
Page 82Daemon’s arms tightened around me. “What are you thinking, Kitten?”
I considered lying, but at that moment, I didn’t want to be strong. I didn’t want to pretend like we had everything under control, because we didn’t. “I’m scared.”
He tugged me back against his chest and pressed his cheek against mine. The stubble tickled and, in spite of everything, I grinned. “You’d be insane not to be scared.”
I closed my eyes, sliding my cheek against his. I was probably going to end up with carpet burn, but it would be worth it. “Are you scared?”
Daemon chuckled softly. “Me, seriously? No.”
“You’re too awesome for that?”
He kissed the sensitive spot under my ear, sending a wake of shivers through me. “You’re learning. I’m proud of you.”
I laughed.
Daemon stilled, like he seemed to do whenever I laughed, and then he squeezed me until I squeaked. “Sorry,” he murmured, rubbing his nose against my neck as he loosened his hold. “I lied.”
“About what? You being proud of me?” I teased.
“No. I’m always in awe of you, Kitten.”
He let out a shuddering breath. “I was terrified the whole time they had you and I didn’t know where you were. I was scared out of my mind that I would never see you again or get to hold you. And when I did see you? I was afraid I’d never hear you laugh again or see your beautiful smile. So, yeah, I lied. I was terrified. I’m still lying.”
“Daemon…”
“I’m scared shitless that I’ll never be able to make this up to you. That I’ll never be able to give you back your life and—”
“Stop,” I whispered, blinking back tears.
“I’ve taken everything from you—your mom, your blog, your life. So much so that you found enjoyment in eating something just because it wasn’t on a plastic tray. And your back…” His jaw locked down, and he gave his head a little shake. “And I have no idea how I’m going to fix all of that, but I will. I will keep you safe. I will make sure that we have a future to hold on to and look forward to.” He took a breath at the same time I did. “I promise you.”
“Daemon, this isn’t—”
“I’m sorry,” he said, voice cracking. “This—all of this—is my fault. If I—”
“Don’t say that.” I turned in his lap, my dress riding up as I placed my hands on either side of his face. I stared into his brilliant eyes. “This isn’t your fault, Daemon. None of this is.”
“Really?” he said in a low voice. “I think the whole mutating-you thing was my fault.”
“It was either that or let me die. So you saved my life. You didn’t ruin it.”
My heart ached at his words. “Listen to me, Daemon. This isn’t your fault. I wouldn’t change a damn thing. Okay? Yes, things have sucked, but I’d go through it all again if I had to. There are things I would want to change, but not you—never you. I love you. That’s never going to change.”
His lips parted on a sharp inhale. “Say it again.”
I smoothed the pad of my finger over his lower lip. “I love you.”
He nipped at my finger. “The other words, too.”
Leaning down, I pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose. “I love you. That’s never going to change.”
He slid his hands up my back, one stopping just below my shoulder blade and the other cupping the nape of my neck as his eyes searched mine. “I want you to be happy, Kitten.”
“I am happy,” I said, tracing my fingers over the curve of his cheek. “You make me happy.”
His chin lowered, and he pressed his lips to the tips of each of my fingers. Under and all around me, his muscles tensed, and then he placed his mouth to my ear and whispered in a deep voice, “I want to make you really happy.”
My heart fluttered. “Really happy?”
He dropped his hands to my outer thighs, his long fingers slipping under the material. “Exceedingly, insanely happy.”
His hands inched up, causing heat to flood my body. “You love it when I whip out the adverbs.”
“Maybe.”
He trailed his lips in a hot line down my throat. “Let me make you exceedingly, insanely happy, Kat.”
“Now?” My voice came out an embarrassing squawk.
“Now,” he growled.
I thought about all the people inside the house, but then his lips were on mine, and it felt like forever since he’d kissed me. His hand moved into my hair as the kiss deepened, our breaths mingling. He dropped his arm around my waist, and then he was standing, and my legs were wrapped around his hips.
“I love you, Kitten.” Another deep, scorching kiss lit up my insides. “And I’m going to show you just how much I love you.”
Chapter 24
Daemon
My arms tightened around her as I waited for her answer. Not that I really believed she’d turn me down. It wasn’t about that. I wanted to make sure she was ready after everything. Last time, she hadn’t been ready, and it hadn’t just been the headlights. If she wasn’t, it’d be okay. Holding her all night would be just as amazing.