We were dysfunctional.
But he was right.
This was my family.
It always had been.
Always would be.
The bell clanged again.
I sucked in a breath as Timber slowly walked past everyone and stopped in front of me.
Alex bit back a curse.
“My Queen.” Timber’s blue eyes flickered with appreciation. “Personal bodyguard at your service.”
“I can protect her,” Alex pointed out.
“I’m well aware of that.” Timber eyed him over my shoulder. “But it’s an honor to be in her service.”
“Listen if anyone is servicing—”
“Thanks, Timber.” I pulled him in for a quick hug, ignoring Alex’s sexual innuendo. “Why don’t we all go home?”
Amidst nods and chatter, I reached for Alex’s hand and squeezed.
“Home.” He sighed. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to a hotel?”
“I’ve been waiting my whole life to be in your bed,” I admitted. “I just didn’t know it until recently, so no, I don’t want to go to some random hotel like a normal horny human couple. I want to be in your arms, on your sheets, sliding against—”
His mouth found mine with ferocity as he tugged me into his arms and lifted me off the ground.
In the hazy distance, I heard something from Cassius and suddenly I was back at Ethan’s with Alex.
I stumbled back. “What just happened?”
Alex grabbed for me again. “Archangel party trick. He’s here all week, yay. Come back here.” With a groan, he surrounded me with his arms then had my shirt over my head, my pants a torn pool at my feet. “I’ve been waiting to claim you for hundreds of years,” he whispered against my lips.
“But—” His mouth was amazing. “We’ve already had sex.”
“Yes.” His hot lips trailed kisses down my neck. “But we’ve never made love.”
Had I not already been in love with him then — that would have sealed the deal. As tears filled my eyes, he lifted me into his arms and placed me gently on the bed, then kissed me.
And kissed.
And kissed.
He kissed my body until I lost track of time.
Until my body ached for more.
And when I cried out for him.
He kept kissing.
He worshipped with his mouth, he pleasured with his hands, and he did it over and over again.