The Healer's Hellion - Miranda Bridges Page 0,31

never been vulnerable in front of him. And yet…

I’m scared to find out if what Teresa said was true.

If Braxton really is interested in her, then it will make me appear all the more stupid for my actions. And he’s already denied taking our relationship to a more physical level, so I have no desire to be rejected again when he tells me I’m looking too much into our interactions.

As if I could misconstrue dry humping. Pfft.

“Why?” he asks.

“One of the humans said something to antagonize me.” Truth. “And at the time, I was feeling emotionally vulnerable, but it’s not a big deal, so don’t worry about it.” Lie.

“What did she say?”

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Will you just let this go? It’s over and done with, and I’ve moved on.” Another lie.

What happened to the girl that used to tell the truth no matter what? I don’t even recognize myself right now.

“Skylar, everything that happens to you matters to me.” He reaches out to grip the sides of my neck, his palms warming me as his thumbs brush my jaw in soothing strokes. “Why won’t you believe that?”

“Because Teresa said you were interested in her.” The truth slips past my lips, and I blame the look in Braxton’s eyes. He’s gazing down at me with such tenderness that it has all my defenses crumbling.

He tilts my chin just the slightest bit as he lowers his mouth to mine in the barest of kisses. It’s over before I’ve had a chance to enjoy it, but my lips tingle, and I know for sure it’s because of him.

Braxton rests his forehead against mine and closes his eyes. “If you only knew how much I care for you, you would not think such foolish thoughts. I will confront this Teresa and put an end to her falsehoods when we return to the ship.”

I melt in his hold, letting my eyes drift shut. “How do I know that’s true?”

“Trust your instincts. It’s what tells me you’re my mate.”

“I’ve been wrong before, and it cost me so much.” My voice is barely above a whisper as the demons of my past try to surface. I’ve been successful at keeping the darkness at bay, but sometimes it still emerges without my permission. As if I’d ever want to dwell on it.

Braxton’s breath skimming my cheek brings me out of my torturous thoughts and back into reality. That dark place is sometimes hard to pull myself out of.

“I could go on and on about the things I have done to get you to trust me,” he says, “but I don’t think it will do any good. You will see in time that I mean what I say. So when I say you’re mine, I mean that with every fiber in my being and every piece of my soul. You were created for me and me alone.”

I open my eyes only to find him already looking at me. “Then why did you reject me? I actually enjoyed making out with you.” At his brows pulling together, I clarify. “Kissing you.”

He shakes his head, and it seems to be at himself rather than me. “I maintain a tight control over my gift, my emotions, and my actions at all times. It would not serve me well to do otherwise. And then you came along and tested my discipline with your courage, your strength, and your smart mouth.” He grins at me, and I find my lips tilting up as well. “When I’m with you, I want nothing more than to be free to act as I please, but that is not meant to be. So you see, when I keep you at a distance, it’s to protect you.”

I slide my hands up his torso, running my finger over every crevice of chiseled muscle. “What if I don’t want your protection?”

“If I lose control, I could hurt you,” he says with a shudder. “Even the idea is too painful to consider.”

I weave my fingers in his hair and lean close, pressing my body to his. “I’ve experienced pain before, but I think your kind would be different, not to mention enjoyable.”

Now it’s Braxton who has his hands in my hair, his grip tight on the back of my head. “Who hurt you?” His voice is soft and quiet, like an assassin before he strikes. The look of murder lurking in his gaze warms me.

“No one worth mentioning,” I say.

“You will tell me, and then I