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I paused so I could rethink the question. I had already assumed Elias was some sort of criminal, maybe even a killer. It didn’t completely surprise me that the three bandits suffered that fate by his hands.

“No,” I responded truthfully. “The answer is still no, it doesn’t bother me.”

His stare was intense, filled with so much heat. “And I would do it again,” he said, his voice a deep growl. “I would kill a thousand men if it meant saving you.”

I found it hard to breathe after hearing his words, as my heart thrashed wildly and my throat tightened. “What are you saying?” I was barely able to mutter out.

“I think you know.”

My body began to tremble. “Then why…” I had to gasp in a small breath. “Then why did you leave?”

Elias reached up to gently press his hand against my cheek, a thrilling energy pouring into my skin through his touch. Guilt resurfaced behind his eyes.

“I didn’t leave because I don’t have feelings for you, Princess. I left because they’re too strong. And knowing you feel the same way…I don’t deserve your love. I’ll never deserve your love.”

“Elias, I—”

“Every time you are in danger, Aura, my heart stops. I’m terrified. Not only of losing you, but of what I might do to the world if it takes you away from me.”

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe as we locked eyes, his mouth only inches from mine. Slowly, his eyes trailed down to my lips, lingering on them just long enough for heat to flood my core.

His eyes made their way back up to mine, something hungry in them.

“Fuck,” he whispered, his breath hot and sweet. So much so that I wanted to taste it.

As if reading my mind, Elias leaned in and pulled my face towards his until our mouths met with passionate force.

Nothing could have prepared me for the sheer ecstasy I felt as our lips touched. Nothing. Every vein in my body ignited with hot energy that coursed through me in pulsating waves. I wanted more of it. I wanted it to fill me to my bones. I let my lips part slightly, welcoming in his tongue to tangle with my own. He accepted the subtle invitation, and I tasted even more of him, creating additional waves of energy and pleasure. I moved in closer, placing my hands on his bare chest. Elias reached his hands around my waist and pulled me even closer until I was pressed up against him.

We all but devoured each other, his hands exploring over my hips and lower back. I couldn’t help but moan into his mouth, making him tremble beneath me.

“Aura,” he whispered my name, a plea on his tongue. Or a curse. I slid my hands up, weaving them through his dark hair so I could pull him closer. So I could have moreof him. All of him.

Slowly, he pulled away. “Aura,” he said again, nearly out of breath. “We need to slow down.” He spoke the words, but they didn’t seem at all convincing.

“Why?” I panted, opening my eyes and wanting to devour him all over again.

He paused. “Because you have a head injury and I would prefer not to open these stitches just for you to have to do them all over again.”

I pouted. “Oh. Right.”

Elias let out a low laugh, which brought me nothing but pleasure. He pressed his forehead to mine, his hands resting on the small of my back. I closed my eyes once more, breathing in the scent of him. Breathing through the fiery energy that pulsated into me.

“I will never let anyone hurt you again,” Elias whispered. “I promise.”

I forced myself to open my eyes, and looked up to meet his gaze. I saw a small hint of a glow in his eyes, like our first night in Monuvia.

“Then don’t you dare leave me alone in these woods again,” I demanded, a joking smile on my lips.

Elias grinned a sultry smile in return. “Never.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

We decided to stay where we were for a little while longer in order to let our injuries rest. I asked Elias where we were and why he took me so far from the bandit camp.

“I just wanted you out of there, away from any danger,” he said. “I didn’t know if more bandits would show. I wasn’t going to take that risk. And I came this way because it’s where I saw your pack. I should have grabbed it, but I didn’t want it to slow me down. I’m sorry.”

“I see,” I replied. “Don’t be sorry, Elias. You saved my life.”