The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1)(97)

Maddox's image rose in her mind and she thought perhaps she felt his hand gripping hers, willing strength into her body. Then... something, a presence, a warmth, invaded her body, sweeping through her and mending the rawness of her lungs, the bruised muscles in her ribs and sides.

She pried her eyelids open - and found Maddox peering down at her. He looked tired, but he saw her and grinned, and it was the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen.

Could she really give him up?

Three days later, Ashlyn was strong enough to leave the hospital. Maddox carried her back to the fortress without a word - no car for this he-man - and straight to his room. She spied a few of the warriors in the hallways. Some looked grim, others angry, but they all nodded at her, as though they accepted her presence now, even if they didn't like it.

Once the bedroom door was shut and locked, Maddox set her on her feet, letting her body slide down his. He dropped his arms to his sides, severing contact.

"Have you learned anything new about the women?" she asked, not moving away from him. His heat enveloped her and his nearness tantalized her.

"They've been freed. All except for Danika, who is driving Reyes crazy, insulting him at every turn." He studied her face intently. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," she said, and she meant it. She still had a mild cough and a slightly raw sensation in her chest, but she was nearly healed. Which meant it was time. Time to save him.

He needs you, the goddess Anya had said.

Ashlyn wasn't going to tell Maddox about Anya. He'd ask questions; questions she didn't want to answer. She knew what she had to do to release him from his curse - knew it, hated it, but was going to do it - and couldn't let him stop her. Couldn't let her stop her. The thought of being without him filled her with despair.

I don't want to say goodbye.

Tears threatened to spring to her eyes, so she forced herself to smile. This was her fairy tale, and she was going to save her prince. Just... Don't say goodbye. Not yet. She'd enjoy the rest of the day with him, talking to him, touching him as she hadn't been able to do while in the hospital.

"I want you," she told him. "I want you so badly."

"I want you, too." There was a sudden glint of wickedness in his purple eyes. "I feel like an eternity has passed since I last touched you."

But they just stared at each other, neither one reaching for the other yet.

"I want you to know..." she bit her lip and peered down at her booted feet. Confession time. "I love you."

Shock blanketed Maddox's face and his mouth flailed open and closed.

"It's too soon," she said for him, "our lives are too different and I'm responsible for a lot of the crap you've had to deal with this past week, but I can't help it. I still love you."

Finally, he reached out. His fingers cupped her cheeks and gently forced her to face him. Tenderness overshadowed the shock. "I love you, too. So much. I'm a violent man with violent emotions, but I do not want you ever to fear that I'll become violent with you. I can't hurt you. It would be worse than cutting out my own heart."

Joy fluttered inside her, more than she'd ever thought possible. Tears filled her eyes. She leaned into his chest, needing him more than ever before. He lowered his head, slowly... pure temptation... his gaze never leaving hers. Their lips brushed, a gentle kiss of beauty and of love.

His tongue slid inside her mouth. Over and over, forever and ever, he kissed her, savoring her, enjoying her. She felt his elation, his wonder, both emotions mirrored inside her. . "So beautiful," he whispered.

"I love you," she said again.

"Love you. Need you."

Piece by piece, he removed her clothing and piece by piece she removed his, glorying in every new inch of skin revealed. He was so big and hard. So... hers. She gloried in touching him, savoring him and memorizing him. He was banked ferocity and he loved her.

Hearing him say those words had given her a sublime sense of peace. Once, after she was sick the first time, he'd called this her home. It was, she realized. It was the only home she'd ever really known. How unlikely that a man of violence would be the one to give it to her. That he would be the one to drive out the memory of padded rooms, crazed noise, solitude and ultimate betrayal. How...extraordinary.

"I'm going to worship you," he said. "With my mouth, my hands." He dropped to his knees.

"No." Ashlyn gripped his shoulders and tugged him up.

He frowned, confused.

"My turn." This time, she knelt. She worshipped him. Her mouth enclosed his thick length, so hard and hot, taking him all the way to the back of her throat. She'd never done this before, but she knew the way of it, having heard it described in excoriating detail by numerous women.

His hands gripped her hair, and he moaned. "Ashlyn."

Performing the act wasn't something she'd thought she'd like, but Ashlyn found that she loved it. Loved his pleasure in it. Up and down she sucked him, enjoying the way he trembled, circling her tongue over the round head before diving down to the base. She cupped his testicles. Giving Maddox pleasure brought her more satisfaction than anything else she'd ever done, made her wet and aching, a slave to desire.

He thrust, hard, caught himself and tried to slow. She increased her speed, taking all he had to give. Wanting him to thrust, wanting it hard.