Page 40 of Claws and Effect (Paranormal Dating Agency #87)
THIRTY-NINE
D awn painted the room in gentle gold once more, finding Laykin awake before Zyle again. She watched him sleep, his arm draped possessively across her waist, his features relaxed in rare contentment.
She traced the line of his jaw with her fingertips, memorizing the texture of his skin, the way his lashes fanned against his cheeks, the slight curve of his lips even in sleep. This man, who had entered her life through political negotiation, now occupied spaces in her heart she hadn’t known existed.
Whatever came next—whatever threats they faced—they would face together, not as political allies but as partners in the truest sense.
Her phone lit up with a message from her mother: “Uncle Marcello insists on meeting with you privately before tomorrow’s general assembly.”
A chill raced down Laykin’s spine despite the warmth of Zyle’s body beside her. The real world intruded on their sanctuary, reminding her of the unresolved threat hanging over their newfound happiness.
Zyle stirred, his eyes opening to find her watching him. Without a word, he pulled her closer as if sensing her sudden unease.
“What is it?” he murmured, voice still rough with sleep.
She showed him the message, watching his expression shift from drowsy contentment to sharp focus.
“You don’t have to meet him alone,” he said, tension evident in his shoulders.
“I know.” She pressed her palm against his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath her fingers. “But I need to know what he wants. He’s family. We still don’t know if he’s even involved.”
Zyle covered her hand with his own. “Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side.”
The simple promise delivered without hesitation, washed through her like sunlight. In those five words lay everything she’d never known she needed—partnership, trust, support without suffocation.
Laykin pressed her lips to his, pouring everything into the kiss. When they parted, she rested her forehead against his, breathing in the scent that had become synonymous with home.