The Fortunates (Unfortunate #2) - Skyla Madi Page 0,37

breaths. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to not feel anxious in the presence of a Fortunate—Kade or otherwise.

“I’m asking you for help.”

Groaning, he pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. “You’re asking me to commit suicide.”

“I’m not.” I step closer and hesitate, only once, before planting my hands on his slim hips. “I’m asking you to prevent it from happening to me.”

Kade snaps away from me and turns his back.

“Do you realise how offensive it is when you say you’d rather kill yourself than be with me?” he bites out, pushing ten angry fingers through his hair.

My heart stutters and I frown. “That’s not how I intend it and you know it.”

Sighing, he turns around. “And if your little war fails? If we’re strung up, our skin whipped from our bodies? What then?”

Suddenly, I feel small, like I’m an Unfortunate again. His dark eyes are demanding and scary…beautiful and full of chaos.

“I don’t know, Kade, but at least we tried.”

A flare in his eyes begs me to reconsider one more time.

But I can’t.

If not me, who? Who will stand up for the oppressed? Kade doesn’t understand because he wasn’t raised by moderators. He wasn’t crammed into a room filled with crying children who already wanted to die. He hasn’t suffered like I’ve suffered—like we’ve suffered.

We need change.

I reach out for him and his chest tightens as he sharply sucks air between his teeth and holds his breath. I open the first button…and the next…and the next…until I’m able to slide my palms against his firm chest. His skin is soft and clean, and he smells amazing. He smells like change—like hope. At least, I’m sure he would if those things had a scent.

Leaning in, I press my cheek against his bare chest and close my eyes. His heart thunders under my ear, beating faster than mine. It’s a wonderful sound.

Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump.

Each thump pounding in quick succession.

Kade wraps his strong arms around me and holds me close, resting his lips against the top of my head.

“I’ll go to war for you…” he murmurs, his voice vibrating his chest.

My heart stutters, stops, and then picks back up again. I pull back and glance up at him. Our noses graze and my stomach clenches. He would help me? He would risk everything? Give everything up for my cause?

“Not for me,” I whisper. “For us. If we win, we can raise our children properly. We can show them love and equality…the way it should be.”

“You’d love them?” Emotion swirls in the black pools of his eyes and it sends my heart quivering.

“Unconditionally.”

He moves to glide the back of his hand down my cheek and his fingers tremble against my jaw. I don’t know how long we look at each other. The sun could rise and set a hundred times and I’d be oblivious to it…

…because of the way he looks at me.

Adoringly…

Gratefully…

…like I’m his most treasured possession. I guess in a sick, twisted way, I kind of am.

“You’re real…” he mutters, brushing this thumb along my bottom lip. “I never thought I’d…” He swallows hard. “But you’re real.”

I nod. “I am.”

Leaning in, he kisses me deeply—so deeply I’m lost in it and I stay lost, until he carries me across the room and presses my back against the mattress of my unmade bed. Kade threads his thick fingers with mine and moves between my thighs, his kisses moving from my mouth to my jaw.

From my jaw to my neck.

From my neck to my breast.

Each touch of his lips pays attention to every swell and bruise, every scratch and scar, until there are no more injuries to kiss better.

My heart swells in my chest as he works me over with utmost affection.

And then we are one.

Skin on skin.

Naked. In love.

And he is so gentle. And sweet. And perfect.

Tears leak from the corners of my eyes, and it’s not because I’m sad…or happy.

It’s because I am grateful.

I am thankful to experience such love in a world that doesn’t allow it. Who would have thought the man with the darkest name could cast so much light?

Chapter Twelve

Kade

Kade opened his eyes as the bedroom door clicked shut. Nine thought she was being quiet.

She wasn’t.

Throwing off the blankets, Kade slid from the bed and bent low to grab his clothing. As quickly as he could, he slipped his tired body into the fabric and forced his feet into his leather shoes. Without a second thought, he left the room in pursuit