Broken Bond - Callie Rose Page 0,10
think too much about it or talk myself out of it, I lean into him and press my lips to his.
The moment our lips touch, I’m paralyzed by fear. What if he rejects me? But I know I’m being ridiculous and falling back into my old habits of panic and expecting the worst. Not even five minutes ago, Archer assured me all he sees is me, not the witch, and I didn’t even ask him for that confirmation. He gave it freely.
But the emotional damage my uncle raged on me for most of my life is hard to claw my way through sometimes.
When Archer’s split second of surprise passes, he responds. His warm hands catch my waist and his mouth moves against mine, slick with water. As his tongue teases my lips open, desire rises between us, and I lean closer to him—not all the way, because I’m too shy to breach those last few inches. Our wet skin slides together just barely, the fine blond hairs on his chest scratching over my breasts and sending a rush of need through me.
Despite my weakness, I’m burning to feel Archer’s body against mine, aching for his hands to move from their chaste position at my waist, to touch me the way he did before my change. I don’t feel as sick as I did when I awoke. Standing beneath the water with Archer as he gently took care of me helped me feel more like myself, and actually kind of invigorated me. Energy hums beneath my skin. And whether I’m a witch or wolf, the pull I feel toward him—toward each of the shifters—hasn’t changed in the least. The only thing that could make this moment even better would be to have the other three men here to join us.
My legs tremble beneath me as our lips move together. His kiss is strong, deep, searing hot. But his hands hold me in place, and his body is so far away. If I just move forward…
Screw it.
I close the rest of the space between us, pressing his warm expanse of skin flush against my own. The kiss deepens until I feel his teeth on my lips, and a little thrill races through me. Archer groans against my mouth, finally giving in to the need rising between us as one hand slides up my body to cup my breast.
Not washing me like a gentleman this time, but squeezing me. Claiming me.
His fingers teasing my hardened nipple until I’m gasping into his kiss. I tangle my fingers in his wet hair and rise up on my tiptoes, his hard cock rubbing against my lower belly.
The throb between my legs echoes his desire, and I’m mindless with the need to feel him there, to feel the weight of him sliding into me while water cascades over us. The darkness dragged me under before things could go that far with the men before, so I’m still a virgin. But that doesn’t stop my body from burning with need. I feel wanton and reckless, neither of which are emotions I’ve ever been well acquainted with.
Before I can do something even crazier, Archer abruptly breaks the kiss, his chest heaving and his lips a little swollen. He grips my arms and pushes me away gently, something like regret shining in his green eyes as he gives me a small smile.
“You’re still weak.” His voice is low, just a rumble beneath the thrumming of the shower. “You need to eat and regain your strength. I don’t want to push you too far and hurt you.”
“You won’t hurt me.” I shake my head, surprised by how husky the words come out.
He touches my face, and I lean into his hand. “Maybe not. But I’m not willing to take the chance.”
I’m still close enough to feel his hard length against my belly. It’s obvious Archer’s feelings haven’t changed—he still wants me just as badly as I want him. But he’s also willing to push that desire aside, no matter how much he wants it, to take care of me.
That seems big, somehow.
I’m slowly coming to accept that the mate bond is real, but in this moment, it seems like something even more than just a bond. More real and tangible, like it’s born of mutual respect and affection rather than a primal need to mate. Archer’s desire to care for me doesn’t feel like it’s just because of the bond. It’s because he cares about me.
He gives me one more chaste