Storm Gods - G. Bailey Page 0,45
it all clear to me. I can’t let you guys come with me because it will put you all in danger, too.”
He stares at me like he’s never seen me before in his life. “That’s the point of this,” he insists. “We’re in this together.”
“No,” I say, my desperation creeping into my tone. “We’re not. Not anymore. Don’t you understand, Seth?” My voice has started to waver, and I fear more tears are on the way. “I can’t put anyone else in danger! This whole thing started with me, and I’m not about to let anyone else die because they ended up in the line of fire!”
“Karma, you can’t shut us out like this,” Seth argues, taking a step forward. His proximity to me is making my heart beat faster, but I shut those feelings down. Now isn’t the time.
“How many people have died because of me?” I protest, the tears overflowing once more. “How many more will die because of me? I can’t watch you guys die, too. I just…can’t.”
“And I’m not about to watch you die, either,” Seth insists, putting his hands on my shoulders.
“Why not?” I ask bitterly. “It’s the least I deserve.”
“Because I love you, that’s why!” Seth exclaims, and all I can do is stare up at him. “I love you, and I didn’t even think that was possible. After my wife died… Karma, I…” He runs a hand through his hair. “You brought me back to life,” he tells me, staring into my eyes. “I’m not going to let Neritous snuff you out.”
“Please,” I whisper as he slides his hand up to cup my cheek. “Please, Seth. You’re only making this harder.”
“I know,” he murmurs, his eyes blazing with a love so strong that it scares me. And then his lips are on mine. I want to shove him off, but I can’t bring myself to. Instead, my traitorous arms come up to encircle his neck, drawing him closer as his kisses become more passionate, and when his lips move to my neck, I don’t protest, letting out a small whimper as I feel his hands roaming my body. He seems hesitant, almost fearful, and it dawns on me that this is probably the first time he’s touched a woman since before his wife died. His movements are rusty, almost clumsy, but the passion is obvious, and somehow we manage to fumble off our clothes, so desperate to touch one another that everything else seems to fall by the wayside. Seth nudges me forward before pushing me back onto the bed, his touch warm and soothing.
“I love you,” he repeats, sounding almost disbelieving to hear the words coming out of his own mouth.
“I…love you too,” I reply, and with a growl he presses his lips to mine once more, his hands already moving to part my legs. I hate how wet I’ve already become, and when he glances down, Seth seems surprised, his breath hitching in his throat as he allows his hand to pass over the junction of my thighs. Positioning himself over me, I feel him nudging me open, but there’s a hesitation, and I realise that he’s waiting for my go-ahead.
“Please, I need you,” I manage to whisper. He thrusts into me, eliciting a low groan from me before he begins to move in earnest. It quickly becomes clear that, even though it’s been a while, he’s still as skilled as ever, responding to every subtle movement of my body with a level of attentiveness that I’ve never witnessed before. Waves of pleasure begin to wash over me, and it’s not long before I’m writhing beneath him, moaning his name over and over again like a mantra. I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but I can’t help it. The strength of my feelings is almost overwhelming, and one look at Seth’s expression tells me he’s going through the same thing.
When he comes, he lingers for a moment, just staring into my eyes as he brushes some hair out of my face. I shiver when he pulls out, putting his arms around me protectively as I rest my head against his chest. “Don’t shut me out,” he tells me, stroking my hair, and I feel myself starting to cry without meaning to.
“That’s the problem,” I murmur against his skin, resignation and relief overtaking me all at once. “I don’t think I can.”
Chapter 16
I wish I weren’t so selfish. I wish I had the ability to do what needs to be done,