Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“I guess it’ll be an adventure then.”

He rests against the doorframe. Suddenly, I’m inches away from his beautiful brownish-green orbs. Unusually full of emotions, they pin me to my spot

“I want you to know this isn’t my thing. Dating. You’re not one in a long line of many. You’re the first. The only one I’ve ever been this interested in getting to know.”

His words are sobering. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I won’t be satisfied until I know every part of you, and I want you to see me. Not Charming, but Shayne, and that’s a thing I’ve never had with anyone else. This is me explaining my intentions because I’m done with the hot and cold. If we do this, we both need to be all in.”

My mouth becomes a desert and blood rushes into my ears. The sincerity visible in his color-changing eyes is intense and frank.

“Shayne—”

He places a finger over my lips. “All you have to do is say yes and let me do all the work, Xi. I’ve never minded working hard for what I want it. You’re worth it, and from what I see it’s time someone reminded you of that. You may be invisible to your family, but I promise you that will never happen with me. You shine so brightly I’m blinded just looking at you.” He clears his throat. “I’m not the type of man who’s good with words.”

“Believe me, you are,” I whisper, dazed.

He smirks, and the man with swag I’ve grown used to returns. “Only for you. Are you ready to do this with me? ’Cause I won’t accept less than everything you have to give.”

I lick my lips. “What about you?”

“You can have as much of me as you can handle.”

There’s an inherent wildness about him that fascinates and frightens me. I’m aware that I’ve been in a bubble for most of my life. My parents made sure of that. He’s a taste of everything I’ve always craved and longed for. I want him, and not just physically. I long to understand the pain lingering in his eyes and the man behind the incredible physique and charisma. There’s something irresistible about being his first. He seems like the type who’s done a lot of living.

“O-okay?”

He trails his finger down my neck, and I shiver.

“Be sure. Once you agree, there’s no taking it back.”

“I won’t want to.”

His lips curve up. Wrapping his hand around my neck, he pulls my body to his. The heat radiating off his body and the hard planes have my insides quivering.

“Seems like the type of thing we seal with a kiss.” He slants his mouth over mine, and I’m drowning in the soft feel of his lips and the knee-weakening skills he’s unleashing on me.

Twining my arms around his neck, I thrust my tongue into his mouth, eager for more. He moans. The minty flavor of his mouth has me echoing his sounds of pleasure. I can feel him pressed up against me as we move our heads this way and that. This kiss was a long time coming. I’m wet, and he’s only touched me with his mouth.

Finally, the desperate need for oxygen forces us apart.

Trembling, I rest my head on his shoulder. “Why did we wait so long to do that?” I ask huskily.

His chuckle moves his body, and he squeezes the back of my neck, re-igniting the fire smoldering in my belly. “’Cause you’re stubborn, and I knew myself enough to understand once I tasted you there’s no

way I could go back to being just your friend.”

“And what do you think I am now?”

“Mine,” he growls softly.

The words should send me running in the opposite direction, but I feel a thrill of excitement with his gentle claiming. I lean back, and the weight of his darkened stare makes me gasp. There’s no oppression, just longing, protection, and the promise of something more.

“I’m a possessive man. I’m loyal and protective of those I care about. It’s important you keep that in mind.”

I tilt my head back to take in his face. “And what about you? What are you to me?”

“Yours.”