Page 17 of Allie

When the kettle shut off, he poured the hot water into the cup. The scent of the black tea mixed with chamomile teased my senses. I wrapped my hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep into my while closing my eyes and inhaling the floral fragrance.

"Careful, it's hot," he warned.

"Thanks," I murmured.

I brought the cup to my lips, the steam caressing my face before I took a cautious sip. The liquid was just shy of scalding, but it was the kind of heat that heals, the warmth cascading down my throat and pooling in my stomach like a gentle embrace. With each swallow, the tendrils of my headache began to unravel.

"Better?" he asked, his voice low and smooth as he settled beside me on the couch.

"Much." My headache had started to ease as soon as I entered his apartment, but the tea he made me was helping too.

We fell into a comfortable silence as I sipped my tea. I glance around his living room. “You’re not here much, are you?”

He shrugged. “I take jobs to keep me busy because I hadn’t had anyone to come home to.”

I leaned in closer without thought, drawn by the invisible pull of his presence. “What about now?”

His blue eyes flashed with desire. “I have you to come home to, so it’s safe to say I won’t be leaving town as much, if ever.”

“But you need to work.” I keep my gaze on him as I took another sip of my tea.

“I can pick up local jobs. Plus, I have a few investments that have taken off and a large savings. I’m not hurting for money.” He reached out and tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear.

"What about you? You said you moved from the city because it was pricey."

"Nat and I have trust funds. I’m a freelance digital artist," I said. “Right now, I’m in between client work. I’m also helping Nat at the boutique a few times a week now that I’m settled.”

"It’s great to work for yourself."

"It’s awesome."

"It sure is,"he said, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a smile that hinted at shared adventures yet to come.

The teacup in my hands was now lukewarm and almost empty. My headache was gone. “Thanks for the tea. My head feels so much better.”

I shifted slightly to face him. Roan's hand was still on my cheek for when he tucked the hair behind my ear. He leaned forward while sliding his hand to the back of my head, pulling me into him. Desire and anxiety bubbled up in anticipation of getting another kiss from him. Maybe more. Gods, I hoped for more.

"Are you sure?" he murmurs, his breath a warm caress on my skin.

"More than I've been about anything," I admit, amazed at the certainty ringing in my voice.

Then, his lips find mine—a kiss so soft it's like a petal drifting onto the surface of a still pond. Yet it was demanding at the same time. The world tilted, and all those heightened senses sharpened further, zoning in on Roan. His taste was a complex blend of night air and spice.

Our growing connection sparked. A single touch shouldn't be this transformative, yet the brush of his tongue against mine felt like the final incantation needed to break an ancient spell.

And oh, the fire. It bloomed within me, a flame coaxed to life by the friction of our kiss. It consumed me like nothing I’d ever experienced.

"Roan," I said against his mouth. His fingers threaded through my hair, and he tilted my head back, deepening the kiss until I was lost in the sensation of being utterly claimed.

Every touch from Roan was a revelation, unraveling me layer by layer. With each caress, he ignited a wildfire deep inside.

"Bedroom," he murmurs against my mouth, his voice a low growl that resonates deep within me, stoking the flames that his touch has already set ablaze.

I nodded, and he stood, picking me up with him. I wrapped my legs around him as he made his way to the bedroom. He stumbled slightly, drawing a laugh out of me as Roan’s back hit the bedroom door. He spun us effortlessly, a testament to the wolf's strength, and suddenly I was pressed against the cool wood, the sensation grounding yet somehow still dizzying.

With a soft click, the door opened behind me, and we spilled into his bedroom. I kick off my shoes while still being held up by him. Our kiss only breaking when he lowered me to the bed. His weight above me was a protective blanket, wrapping me in a cocoon of heat and comfort.

"Are you sure?" Roan asked again, his eyes searching mine for any hint of uncertainty. There was a vulnerability there, a silent plea for permission that touched a chord deep within my witch’s heart.