The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(59)

“Are you sure it’s not carried in the blood?” Kyra asked lightly. “Like genes for being tall?”

“I’m sure.”

“There will always be some who don’t see it that way.”

“Probably yes.” He rolled over and laid his head in her lap. “But there will be more who understand.”

“I hope so.” She ran her fingers through his hair and felt his chest rise and fall in a steady, relaxed breath.

She could do this for him. She might not have magic, but she could do this. She could love him so well he wouldn’t feel the loss. She would shove back her anger and swallow it whole to make room for loving Leo, who brought her flowers and fed her from his own hand.

I love you so much. I will make myself deserving of it.

After dinner, Leo ran a bath and put frangipani in the water, which filled the air with its heady scent. Then he lifted her and brought her to the bathroom.

“One step at a time,” he said. “Tonight we try for no clothes.”

Her face heated immediately. “No clothes at all?”

“Only if you want to, but I am curious why you are reluctant to let me see you.” He teased her, trying to keep it light. “Do you have an embarrassing birthmark you don’t want me to see? A tail you’ve been hiding?”

“No,” she said. “My body is perfect.”

Leo made a sound low in his throat. It was a hungry, raw sound that both thrilled and frightened her.

“Kyra—”

“Right now you see me. All of me. My face, but my mind and heart too.” Her voice grew softer. “When men look at me… It’s as if I don’t exist anymore. They don’t see me. Only my body.”

“Hmm.” Leo didn’t say anything. He took her by the hand and walked to the bed, sitting down and putting his hands on her hips.

For the longest time he only looked at her, as if he was trying to see beneath her skin.

“I can’t promise I won’t lose my head a little,” he said quietly. “Because, Kyra, I know you will be beautiful. When I see your bare skin, it will be overwhelming. But I will always see you first.”

She nodded.

“When you see me without my clothes—”

“I’ve only seen you without your shirt,” she said. “Not the whole of you.”

He smiled. “Fine. Then imagine me right now. The whole of me, without a stitch of clothing on my body.”

Kyra closed her eyes and imagined it, surprised when the same hungry sound left her own throat. Her eyes flew open.

Leo was smiling. “Good.”

“You’re saying that when I see you naked, I’ll forget who you are too?”

“Hunger doesn’t mean we forget who we’re with. It only means that our bodies recognize each other like our hearts do. Do you think I’ve ever wanted a woman the way I want you? I haven’t. Other women do not interest me.” He brought his mouth to her belly, lifted her shirt, and nipped at the sensitive flesh. “This need is only for you.”

She let out a low breath. “Okay.”

He lifted her shirt again, running his fingers along her waistband. “May I?”

She nodded. As he peeled down her leggings, she felt the tiny hairs on her legs stand up. He lifted her feet and tossed the leggings away before he stood and brought her shirt over her head.

Kyra stood before him in her bra and panties, wishing she’d thought to put on the nice pair. She hadn’t been expecting this that morning when she dressed.

Leo sat again, letting her become accustomed to the air on her bare skin. He put his hands on her hips and toyed with her panties, kissing along her belly. His hands moved back and cupped her bottom, his warm fingers sliding under the fabric that covered it.

“Yes?” he whispered.

“Yes.” Feeling bold and impatient, she reached back and unclipped her bra.

Leo heard the fabric slide off and raised his eyes, devouring her breasts without a sound. With his gold hair and sharp gaze, he reminded her of a lion eying his prey. She dropped the bra to the floor and rested her hand on his broad shoulders.

Beautiful. He formed the word with his mouth, though no sound came. Beautiful.

He didn’t touch her, but his gaze made her skin warm. Her heart pounded, and the liquid breeze caressed her skin.

Leo tugged at her panties. “May I?”

She nodded, and he slid them down her legs. He lifted one long leg and set it on the bed beside him, baring every part of her to his eyes. Leo ran the tips of his fingers over her legs, her knees, her bottom, her hips.

He bent and kissed the inside of her thigh, sliding his tongue up and making her gasp.

“May I?” he whispered, eyes closed as he breathed her in.

“Please.”





Chapter Sixteen





Leo tried to banish the sensual feast from his mind as he watched Kyra meditate in Sura’s cottage the next morning. They were all gathered in the small room except for Niran’s two soldiers who stood watch outside. Niran and Alyah stood by the door. Leo sat behind Kyra. They’d decided to experiment with his touch to see if contact increased her range or focus. Sura sat opposite her, legs folded in a meditative pose.

With his hands on her hips, Leo slid his fingers under her loose shirt, letting her feel his touch against her skin.