Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

direction of his carpentry building outside. “The buyers will be thrilled if it’s finished early.”

“That’s what I plan to work on to pass the time.”

“What are you going to build next?”

“A bigger bed.”

I adore the spatter of freckles that accentuates his cheeks when he grins.

“Good thing the loft is roomy.”

“Sweetheart, I’ll tear down walls to make a larger room to fit the bed if I have to. Whatever it takes to have my mate with me.”

My heart fills with affection at his words. Kissing him, I’m reluctant to pull away.

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Be careful.” Putting his head to mine, he squeezes me tighter. “If anything happens, portal here.”

“I will.”

Grabbing the duffle bag by the couch, I return to him for another hug. Stepping back, I say the spell and rub the charm hanging from my neck, and the portal appears. Glancing back, I blow Killian a kiss before I leave.

On the other side of the portal is my apartment. Emeric rises off the couch and lifts me, putting my legs around his waist.

“I was getting impatient.” Laying me on my bed, he lifts my shirt and trails kisses along my stomach. The touch of his impassioned lips has my body stirring with desire.

“We don’t have long. I need to swap out clothes, then we need to get going.”

“I don’t need long, baby, but I do need to have you.”

With arousal dancing in his eyes, he unbuttons my jeans. Shortly after his tongue laps my clit, I lose myself to the intense pleasure. Returning the favor, I watch the pleasure fill his face as I take his cock in my mouth and suck until he’s groaning through his orgasm. The feathers on my arm brighten as his hand rubs them, then moves to my chin.

“The way you make me feel, it’s intense.”

Lying on top of him, he puts one hand on my ass and the other through my hair as he stares up at me.

“Do you feel what I feel?”

Propping an arm behind his head, he swirls his fingers on my skin, the warmth of his magic spreading across my arm.

“I’ve never said the words to a woman, but I feel it for you. I do.”

“I want to say it.” My fingers caress along the scar on his cheek. “I love you, Emeric. I have for some time.”

Emeric’s eyes glisten with crimson. Bringing my lips to his, he kisses me with such passion, the world disappears, and all that remains is the emotion bursting between us.

Heated fingers mingle in my hair, holding me at the nape of my neck as he turns us, putting himself above me. Those same fingers trail down my body as his enchanting kiss keeps the world at bay.

“I love you, so damn much, it hurts. It hurts to think I could lose you.”

Putting my hand on his cheek, I caress with my thumb.

“You won’t lose me.”

“I’m going to make sure of that. I know where I’m supposed to be, what I’m supposed to be doing.”

“What do you mean?”

“As a guardian I should be guarding what I value most. I won’t waste my time protecting gateways when I should be protecting you.”

Heat warms my cheeks as a smile stretches my lips. “You know, under the layer of asshole is an incredible soul.”

Emeric’s mouth upturns.

“Don’t let the others know. I have a reputation to keep.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

“I know, baby, and you’re the only one I’ll let in this deep.”

Our hands intertwine, our fire magic swirling around our palms.

“I love you.”

“It feels damn good to hear you say it.” Lifting my arms over my head, he aligns his cockhead to my wet lips. “Now I’m wondering how you sound saying it between pleasured moans.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

Laughter rumbles out of him. “I thought we already established that.”

As he slides into me, my smile fades to pleasured bliss.

CHAPTER EIGHT

SELENE

Emeric rubs my side, his arm tight around me. “Think she’ll like me?”

“Yes.”

“You sure about that?” He raises an arm, glancing at the tats, then points double fingers at his eyes.

“My mom doesn’t judge people by how they look. Besides, she’s a witch. Your hot-as-Hades Rockstar ensemble and supernatural eyes shouldn’t shock her.”

Emeric shrugs. “Plus, I’m a charming son of a bitch.”

A humorous smile widens my lips and his mouth curls.

“I’m glad I asked to come with you.”

“Me too.”

We ascend the stairs to the front door of my childhood home. The familiar red door brings back bittersweet memories, but there’s no time for me to linger over them as the front door swings open, and my mom spreads her arms wide.

“My sweet girl!”

I’m embraced in a warm, comforting hug before she pulls back and looks at my guest.

“You must be Emeric. You’re just as Selene described in her emails.”

Bringing Emeric in for a hug, she takes him by surprise. He goes rigid, then slowly embraces her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who created such a gorgeous, talented daughter.”

“And you’re charming too.” My mother claps her hands together. “How lovely.” She winks at me. “Come on in. I made fruit tarts and cocktails.”

Emeric leans into my ear. “I like her already.”

Leaving my bag at the entrance, I lead Emeric into the kitchen. My mom has the raspberry fruit tarts decorated and the cocktail drinks poured, with fruit on the edges of the cups. Emeric grabs a glass, pops a strawberry into my mouth, then empties the glass.

“Damn, that’s delicious.” He sets the glass down, and my mom flips her gray-streaked chocolate hair off her shoulder.

“Well, thank you.”

“Try her fruit tart. She’s a talented baker.”

Emeric scoops one up and bites, his eyes widening. “Yes, you are.” He finishes it off, then grabs another.

Mom and I chuckle as we each take one and gather a glass.

“How was your flight?”

I glance at Emeric, then back at her. “Quick.”

“Like a blink of an eye,” Emeric grins.

“That’s good. I was hoping you wouldn’t be tired after your flight. I’m so eager to spend time with you, and Rachel will be arriving soon. She