Swallowing my nerves, I straddle him as his eyes cloud with desire. Slowly, I lean in so my mouth is a breath away from his lips. My fingers travel across his jaw, down his throat and over his bare chest, leaving a trail of goose bumps on his skin.
His eyes close in pleasure. “Open your eyes, Ash.” He does. Then he watches my every move through hooded lids.
I leisurely dip my head and place a path of light kisses down his neck, causing him to moan.
Once I reach his chest, he fists his hands in my hair as I move my lips over the place where he was stabbed, right through the protector tattoo. My heart clenches at the realization. It’s already healed but there’s a small scar in between the dragon and fire.
I lift my gaze and peer at him through my lashes. His serious stare drops to my lips as I let them fall little by little onto the wound, kissing it. I push everything I feel for him into the touch. The hands tangled in my hair tighten at the intensity of the contact.
I let my tongue dart out, tasting him then outlining the protector tattoo with it before returning my lips to kiss the scar. After a few moments of allowing my mouth to press on his tattoo, Asher tugs my hair, forcing my head up and bringing me forward to kiss his lips. Devouring me with so much pressure, I swear he’s trying to breathe me in.
The kiss lasts forever, yet not long enough. He pulls away panting. “No one has ever, ever, fucking kissed me so sensually before. Best. Kiss. Ever.” His voice is laced with want.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Now let me go back and you wake up.”
“Done.” He pulls me into his side and curls his body around mine kissing the top of my head. “See you soon, siren.”
16 Fla
mes
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I woke up, but to be truthful, I didn’t really anticipate Asher’s blue irises watching me. At the awareness he’s awake, I bolt straight up and literally jump on him. I wrap my arms and legs around his muscular body so tightly if I don’t let up, we might morph into one person.
“Holy shit, you really are Sleeping Beauty,” I whisper, stunned.
He chuckles. “Well, thank goodness I found my princess then.” After the words leave his mouth, he stills for a brief moment.
Unsure of what happened, I pull back and scan his face, letting my hands roam over it, memorizing each line and plane. “It’s so good to see you awake again. I didn’t think…” My throat tightens, and I let my voice trail off.
Asher leans forward and places a searing kiss on my lips. “I’ll always come back to you, siren.”
The declaration causes my heart to take flight and I squeeze him even harder. “So much for us showing restraint.” I groan.
Asher shrugs casually. “Restraint is overrated. Kissing you is much more fun,” he retorts, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“Fun, but against the rules,” I remind him.
He looks behind me for what feels like forever before speaking. “I don’t care right now. I’m done trying to stay away.”
I smile. “Good, because I’m yours if you’ll have me.”
His rumble is deep. “Oh, I’ll have you alright.”
I giggle at his playfulness as he leans in, kissing me one more time before we hear Callan.
“Eves? Hey listen, we need you to come upstairs. Gage is here, and he has news.”
Asher and I both freeze. For Gage to come here, something bad must be happening.
“I’ll be right there,” I answer, my eyes locked with Asher’s.
“All right. We’re in the sitting room. Oh, and bring the gargoyle you’re lip locking with. We miss the bastard,” he teases as the pink tint forms on my cheeks. Damn gargoyles.
“How does he know?” I inquire in a low voice, unable to mask my mortification.
Asher laughs. “It’s a gargoyle thing. Come on, siren. Let’s go see what Gage wants.” His name rolls with disgust off Asher’s lips.
I get off the bed and watch Asher stand up. “Wait.” I panic.
“What?”
“Are you okay? I mean…should you be standing?”
His eyes twinkle. “Siren, I’ve just spent like three days in stone state. I could build a house with all the energy I have now. I’m good, I swear. Better than before.”
I stare at his chest. “The scar? Is it permanent?”
He wraps his arms around my waist. “Yes. Just like you. Forever.”
I scan his face. Crap, I’m in so much trouble. “Forever?”
He dips his chin and brushes the hair off my face with his hands. “It’s your mark. Each time I look at it, it will remind me how grateful I am that you’re safe.”
My knees go weak. “If you keep saying things like that to me, we may never leave this chamber.”
A raw sound grumbles in his chest as he catches my lips with his. Branding me, marking me as his. “I warned you already, the only thing that isn’t safe around me is your virtue.”
I lace my fingers with his, tugging him toward the stone stairs. “Let’s go see what Gage wants.” My nerves start to go crazy once we reach the last step. I haven’t seen Gage since he saved me from Saraphina.
Once in the library, Asher closes the chamber opening before he lets go of my hand to greet Callan and Keegan.
Callan walks up to Asher and embraces him tightly. “It’s good to see you up, man.”
“It’s good to be up,” Asher responds.
Keegan does the same, only his hug is stiff as he pats Asher on the back. “You okay, brother?”
Asher blows out a breath, nodding. “I’m fine and ready to see what Gage Gallagher wants.” At the mention of Gage’s name, I feel my knees tremble, and I know I need to sit down.
“He’s waiting with the ladies,” Callan explains, rubbing his jawline.
Asher shifts his eyes to me and reaches out his hand. I squirm as my gaze darts from him to Callan then Keegan before placing my hand in his.
“I’m formally making the clan aware that Eve is mine. I’d like to keep it between the four of us until we get things worked out with Michael and the ascension. But make no mistake, she belongs to me and is privy to all that comes with the designation.”
At his proclamation, my entire body glows with hope and a shiver of excitement runs down my spine.
Callan rolls his eyes. “As if this is breaking news?” He laughs to himself.
With a curt nod, Keegan motions for us to head toward the sitting room. Once in the hallway, we see McKenna standing outside the room, guarding the door. She stands straight when she sees us. “It’s good to see you awake, Ash.”
He pulls her into a hug and whispers his gratitude to her. For what, I didn’t hear. At his words, she fidgets uncomfortably and steps away, schooling her face. “The traitor is in with Abby.”
The five of us enter only to have Abby throw herself at Asher in a deep embrace. “It’s so good to see you. Thank you for saving me,” she says before releasing him and pecking his cheek with a light kiss then winking at me.
Gage is standing near the fireplace with his back to us. He’s dressed in his usual black attire. At the commotion, he turns and locks eyes with me. A sensation I can’t describe overwhelms me and I inhale sharply.
Asher must have interpreted my emotions as anxiety because he pulls me behind him in a protective stance. “Gage.”
“Keegan, Callan and Asher.” Gage greets them before turning to me. “Love.” At his voice, my stomach does a nosedive.
Keegan steps forward and a low growling sound of disapproval releases from deep within his chest. “Protocol states that when greeting your pri-” Asher interrupts his directive.
“What do you want, Gage?” Asher’s voice is cold and distant.
“Nice to see you too, your highness.” Gage smirks, amused at the jab. “I’m here with a warning.”
Callan scoffs. “Why?”
Gage trains his eyes on me as Asher steps into his line of sight, blocking me from
view. “Lucifer is unhappy that one of you killed Dimia, his favorite mate. The pain and utter devastation caused by the death of one’s mate pushes one to do the unthinkable.”
At his words, I hold my breath. He continues. “Lucifer was on a war path before in order to gain control over the supernatural world. Now, it’s completely spiraling out of control.” He sighs.
“Why are you telling us this?” Asher’s demeanor is cool and aloof.
Gage smiles but it’s not friendly as he levels his stare at Asher. “I owe Deacon a favor for Camilla. I intend to pay him back. The rest of the drama doesn’t interest me. Your clan’s actions in London have set off a full-blown war. Lucifer has stepped up his deadlines and the Dark Army’s efforts, placing your beautiful charge in even greater danger. Your kin killed a gargoyle and demon mate.”
“Shit.” Callan blows out on an exhale.
“Not only is the underworld gunning for Eve but they’ll see to it that she suffers, for your actions. They’ll make sure you all do. You have no idea the level of evil you’re dealing with or what kind of flood gates Dimia’s death has opened.” Gage’s words are firm. “I suggest you get your end game together, old friend. Heed my warning. It’s the only one you’ll get from me.”
Asher bristles at his last statement and with that, Gage walks right past us to the door. Before he exits, he throws over his shoulder, “We’re even now, prince. Consider my debt to you paid.” Then he vanishes.
It feels like everyone exhales at the same time. Asher slides his glance to me. “We’ve got this. Don’t worry.” I stand tall, trying to emanate strength and not show my fear. Holy shit, I’m fucked.
Keegan steps to Asher’s side. “We should head back to London and regroup with the other clans, as well as Michael.”
“It might also be time to bring the councils in,” Callan suggests.
“Agreed,” Asher replies.
“Let’s roll,” Callan exclaims as we all make our way to the Escalade.
Asher leans into my ear and drops his voice to a low murmur. “Listen, don’t get pissed, but I think it’s best if you wait at my place with Abby and Kenna. We’ll most likely be meeting with the other clans, Michael, and key members from both the Angelic Council and the Royal Council of Protectors when we return. I’d rather them not pick up on any signals we might inadvertently give off that we’re more than a protector and charge.”
I snap my eyes from the rolling scenery to his face. “Shouldn’t I be involved in these meetings if they’re about me?”
He shakes his head. “Strategy.” He twists his body towards me and picks up a strand of my hair, playing with it. “You’re mine, siren. But they can’t know that yet. We need to get through this war, your ascension and anything else that comes up before we take on the councils and fight for one another. I promise the day will come when I lay my sword at your feet and everyone in the world knows you belong with me. For now, we need to keep it low key. Agreed?”
My lips move to argue but Keegan announces we’re back at the flats in London. As we pull into the garage, my eyes are drawn to the spot where Asher was lying lifeless. Memories of his body bleeding out flood me, reminding me of what could happen if we don’t follow the rules. My heart shatters in my chest. I couldn’t survive anything happening to him.
“Okay,” I consent and I feel his entire body relax.
He kisses my temple. “Thank you.”
***
“Focus, Eve. This is extremely important,” Abby states, her face serious.
“Yeah, blood of Eden. Don’t fuck this up,” McKenna says, her arms crossed.
“Fine,” I grit out.
“Come on, you’ve got this,” Abby encourages.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Before Sunrise/Before Sunset/Before Midnight and Endless Love. In that order too.” I direct.
Abby slaps her hands and rubs them together. “Good movie choices for girls’ time. Kenna, get the door. That’s the food,” she orders.
A few minutes later, McKenna strolls back into the room. The scent of pizza and French fries follows her as my stomach grumbles. Abby made us do manicures and pedicures then get into our pajamas and now we’re all snuggled into the couch for a romantic movie marathon coupled with lots of greasy food. Her plan is to keep me busy so I won’t focus on the supernatural and divine conference going on downstairs without me. I hate to admit it, but it’s working.
“A little birdie told me Asher declared you,” Abby says off handed.
“Would this little birdie be named Callan?” I ask. She giggles. He’s such a gossip girl.
I roll my eyes. “I was under the impression Asher asked them to keep it quiet.”
“Nothing in this clan is a secret,” McKenna states point blank.
“In that case, can I ask you both a question?”
“Sure,” Abby answers brightly.
“If Asher’s dad, Garrick, was the king of the gargoyle community, why isn’t Asher king now?”
Abby swallows and shifts her focus to McKenna before turning back to me. “He has to prove himself worthy of the appointed title before he’s sworn in.”
“Prove himself how?” I question, not truly wanting to know the answer.
Silence.
“How?” I ask again.
“By showing his loyalty, duty and respect to our kin,” Abby answers cautiously.
“And how is that accomplished?” I put down my slice of cheese pizza.
“By agreeing to the ultimate undertaking. Protect the daughter of Heaven,” McKenna answers.
I exhale loudly. Crap.
“Don’t panic. It’s all going to work out the way it’s supposed to, Eve.” Abby pats my knee.
At her words, I avert my gaze, my face paling. “That’s what Aria said right before she threw herself onto Deacon’s sword.” My voice is hoarse.
Abby’s eyes go wide. “Oh, Eve. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” Her voice trails off.
I close my eyes and reopen them. “No, it’s fine. Let’s start the movies.”
McKenna and Abby give one another a sharp glance then return their focus to the flat screen before we drown our attention into love stories that have happily ever afters.
***
A warm mouth moves down my throat, leaving a burning sensation in its path as I arch into the chest that’s making a low rumbling sound. Strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closerto the powerful gargoyle kneeling down in front of me, positioning his body between my legs, forcing each limb to wrap around him.
“Where are Abby and McKenna?” My eyes are still closed.
Asher runs his nose along my jawline. “They left a little while ago. You fell asleep,” he murmurs against my throat, his breath warm.
“I did?” I whimper as he nips at the dip in my collarbone. “How did the meeting go?”
“As well as can be expected.” Asher flicks the tip of his tongue on the skin he just nipped. Then, only with the tip, he makes circular patterns before dragging his tongue up the middle of my throat, over my chin, and across my bottom lip, wetting it before his mouth connects with mine.
At a slow, sensual pace, he savors me. All thoughts of the summit are gone as I focus on the way his lips travel across mine. With each stroke, I fall further and further into him. My legs tighten around his body, pulling him closer.
Asher rocks his hips against me, causing my eyes to open as I release a gasp from the sensation. He holds my eye contact, never breaking the kiss. My chest tightens at the intense way I’m being looked at. Asher pulls away, allowing each of us to catch our breath. Holding my eyes with his, a slow and sexy smirk appears on his face.
He leans back into me, biting my lip between his teeth and letting loose deep masculine sounds. At the release of the swollen lip, Asher pulls back again, teasing me so I’m forced to chase his mouth, which I do. Snagging it between my lips and returning the light nip before he plunges his tongue into the open slit. My hands clench the front of hi
s t-shirt with the stirring sensation he’s causing in my body. The fire ignites as the flames begin to flicker.
Dragging his body back, he stares down at me as I trace his face. Allowing my hands to roam over his eyebrows, down his sculpted cheeks, over the stubbly jawline I love so much, they land on his perfectly swollen lips. My thumb moves over them as they part. Asher’s eyes close, savoring each sensation.
Without warning, he fists his hand in the bottom of my white tank top, yanking me forward harshly then devouring my mouth again. I sigh into the kiss as he begins to lift the hem of my tank at a slow pace, over my stomach, then my breasts. Once the material reaches my chin, he leans back, breaking the kiss, taking it the last little bit over my head. Throwing it on the floor next to him, his eyes appraise me. I resist the urge to squirm under his gaze. He’s looking at me as if I’m something to be worshipped.
“By the grace, you’re fucking beautiful, siren.” His voice is thick as he swallows.
Asher places his hands on my back, caressing them up and down as he leans in and drops a kiss in the middle of my chest. My breath hitches while he moves his head to the right and kisses the swell of my breast, above my black bra, and repeats the movement on the left side.
Leaning back, he lifts his hands to the back of his shirt and pulls it over his head. My eyes travel appreciatively over his sculpted body. He takes my hands and places them on his chest, allowing me to feel his smooth skin. “Touch me,” he whispers as my eyes lift and meet his.
Focusing on the depths of blue, I slowly move my hands, caressing him as his body shudders at the contact. My right hand finds its way to the protector tattoo. I splay my fingers over it. Gently, he positions his palm to the center of my chest, applying light pressure.
“Layback,” he orders, his command firm and gentle at the same time.
I do and he presses his lips to the same spot his hand just was. Then he kisses a trail down my stomach, stopping just above where my shorts begin. Asher looks up at me through his long, sooty lashes. His hands wrap around the top of my yoga shorts, pulling them down my bare legs and throwing them next to my tank top.
Restraint (The Revelation Series Book 2) Page 16
