Page 28 of Illicit Games

It feels so surreal, a soft laugh trickles out of me.

My heart could burst.

If the wildest dreams straight out of a fairy tale like mine can come true, then I need to have faith that Kian and I can overcome any obstacle thrown our way until we have our happily ever after. We’ve already crossed the biggest hurdle.

I startle, feeling my phone buzz in my jeans pocket. Kian’s name flashes after I pull it out. Gazing outside the park, I don’t see his car anywhere.

“Hey, love,” I say after picking up. “Where are you?”

“I see you.” Something in his deep and velvety voice makes my breath hitch. “I didn’t back then, but I do now, and, Rainbow, you steal my breath away.”

I twirl around, frantically searching for him.

Then Iseehim.

My scary reaper.

Across the distance, standing in the center, in the same spot where I saw him for the very first time. His tall silhouette illuminated by the streetlight. One hand is in his pant pocket while the other holds his phone to his ear.

“Just like when I saw you on the stage at the engagement party for the first time. You stared right at me, looking like an angel sent from heaven in that stunning blue gown, and my first thought was that she belongs in my arms. I felt the pull too, but I wasn’t brave like you and resisted it.” His voice becomes deeper, as though he has traveled back to that moment. “Until I caught you sneaking into my room, listened to your voice, and I was hooked. I came to congratulate my brother; instead, I wanted to steal his bride.”

“I would’ve run away with you.”

“I know, baby.”

Both of us take a step toward each other.

“Everything you’ve felt ever since you saw me, it’s not one-sided,” he rasps, as we keep moving closer. “Had I seen you in the park, I would’ve approached you. Walking away would’ve been impossible. Then you would’ve known I could never be out of your league. You’re every man’s dream. The one for whom they’d annihilate the world.”

We take another step.

“What would you have asked me?”

One final step.

We stop before each other and lower our phones at the same time.

“Nothing.” His stormy gaze darkens. “Because I would’ve done this.”

He swoops down and kisses me, hauling me against his chest. I melt against him and part my lips, letting our tongues collide.

I’m lifted into his arms as his mouth claims mine in a slow dance.

Until air becomes secondary.

His kiss says more than words ever could. That our bond is too deep and earth-shattering to be lust at first sight. It’s so much more.

Ripping my lips away, I take his face between my palms. Our pants mingle in the space between us as I lock my eyes with his, feeling the world slip away.

“I love you, Kian.” It isn’t until I taste salty moisture on my tongue that I realize I’m crying. Smiling through them, I profess my devotion, “I love you more than life itself. You’re my first, last, my one and only love.”

“Rainbow,” he murmurs in a guttural tone.

“I know you said you don’t believe in love,” I say, pressing my finger against his lips. “Well, I never believed in love at first sight. But it’s what happened when I saw you. So, you don’t have to say it back until you’re ready. I just couldn’t keep it inside any longer.”

Bending closer, I kiss him sweetly until he kisses me back, pouring everything into it.

It’s enough for now.