job.” Living it again, tears pooled in her own eyes. “The look of resignation on his face as he left…” She struggled for control. “He knew by choosing duty, he’d lost us.”
He drew her into his arms, held her close. “And a man with no hope is a man with no fear. I’m sorry, darlin’.”
Weary beyond bearing, she rested her cheek on his chest and sought comfort she had no right to accept. Listened to the steady thud of his heart under his soft cotton shirt. “Dad was attempting to rescue a family of five from the top floor. The captain radioed him, warning the roof was about to collapse and ordered him out. The family made it out, with his help.” Her voice broke. “He didn’t.”
“I’m so sorry. Grief and guilt, a two g-force.” Con rocked her in a soothing rhythm. “Do you blame your mom for your father’s death? Is that why things are strained between you?”
“No.” She got a grip on her faltering composure. She couldn’t afford to fall apart. “Mom couldn’t help being terrified for his safety. His scars were a constant reminder of the danger he faced every day. I’m sure she blames herself, though. She wasn’t always the Ice Queen. After Dad’s death, she shut off her emotions. Almost like she died, too. She became obsessed over something happening to me, and got so overprotective I could barely breathe.”
He tipped up her chin. Understanding softened his handsome face. “I wish you’d told me before. It explains a lot.”
“I wish I’d thought it through before I got involved with you, and spared us both. You’re fire, Con. Hot, bright, and so tempting, I couldn’t resist. Like my dad, I thought I could slay the dragon.” She stared into his eyes, willing him to accept, to walk away from her. “I couldn’t. And burned us both. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I’ll never regret loving you.”
She couldn’t stop shaking. “You’re wrong. I’ll quench your spirit. Mix water and fire and you get nothing but ashes.” She hated herself for being unable to stop another rush of tears. “Cold ashes in a body bag.”
He cupped her face and wiped away the tears with his thumbs. “Please, don’t. When you cry, it rips my guts out.”
“There will only be more tears. More sorrow. Regrets are inevitable. I never want to hurt you, in any way.” She swallowed, trying to hold in her grief. She dug deep, summoned the fortitude to pull away, but this time, he didn’t release her. “I’m not good for you. Which is why I have to let you go.”
“Sweetheart, you’re wrong. You aren’t bad for me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss into her palm. “You make me whole.” His steady gaze held hers. “Trust what we have together.”
She inhaled sharply. How could she stand up to his steadfast faith? How could she make him see it wouldn’t work? “Con—”
He lowered his head and his lips touched hers in a sensual whisper. “Believe in the realm of mysteries. Believe in us.” His soft, warm lips brushed hers in a feathered caress.
“I can’t.” She nearly choked on the words.
“You can. I’ll help you.” His hand slid to her nape, steadying her, and he covered her mouth with his. She was so cold…and his warmth surrounded her. So empty…and his faith filled her. Her heart ached…and his light, tender kiss comforted her. She’d hurt him, yet his gentle lips forgave her.
Absolution.
Rational thought fled. Her fears and objections seemed foolish, evaporating like morning dew in the sun. She slid her arms around his neck, urging him closer. Body to body, soul to soul. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, his heart calling to hers. A cry she could not ignore if her life depended on it. He deepened the kiss, and his dauntless love filled her.
Completion.
His tongue swept inside, and she tasted her own salty tears, spicy sweet cinnamon gum, and Con. Clean, warm, male. Her mate. On fire—for her. The taste and scent of him raced through her system like molten silver. Hot, bright and dangerous, luring her in. Breaching all her defenses. His gallant soul wooed her.
Seduction.
He drank her in as if he’d been wandering scorched and blinded in a desert. He was shaking now, too. She reveled in his awe, absorbed his reverence. Making her feel as if she were his own personal miracle, he made love to her mouth. He ravished her senses, consumed her with his heat. She fell