Then she could concede that it wasn’t him shifting that made her so angry. It was the fact that he hadn’t shared his secret with her.
Three years ago, their relationship had progressed to the point of them talking about spending their lives together. Then to have him up and leave without an explanation only to discover his secrets now?
It broke her heart all over again.
The reasons behind him not sharing didn’t matter. The other Dragon Kings managed to do it without an issue. But not Ryder.
Because she wasn’t meant to be his mate.
Her pieced-together heart shattered all over again.
Kinsey’s vision blurred as tears filled her eyes. She hastily blinked, but a tear managed to escape. How unfair life was to give her something that meant everything, only to take it away.
On top of that was an even crueler situation as Ryder was brought back into her life—but only as a reminder of what she’d never have.
She discreetly wiped away the tear and sniffed. Her gaze jerked back to her screens when Ryder looked her way.
“It’s late.”
Kinsey nodded, unable to speak.
His chair squeaked when he shifted. “You didna touch much of your food, Kins. Did you no’ like it? Tell me what you’d like next time, and I’ll make sure it’s here.”
“It was fine,” she mumbled.
Ryder blew out a breath. “Let’s call it a night. My eyes are crossing.”
She knew that was a lie. Ryder could look at these screens for months without it bothering him. He was giving her an excuse to go to her room.
And she took it.
“I’ll see you in the morning then.” Kinsey got to her feet and walked from the room without looking his way.
She met Dmitri on the stairs and gave him a small wave. It wasn’t until she was in the room that she leaned back against the door and closed her eyes.
After a moment, she flipped on the lights and began to take off her clothes. Everything was piled in the chair. Mostly because she wasn’t obsessed with folding every piece of clothing. But also because she didn’t have the time or inclination.
Kinsey removed her bra and grabbed the olive green tank top and put it on. Then she washed her face and brushed her teeth before climbing into bed.
Except, unlike the last two nights, she didn’t fall right to sleep. She was wide awake, staring at the ceiling.
And thinking about Ryder.
Foremost in her mind was their kiss. Her lips still tingled from it. His taste … chills raced along her skin. She could still taste him.
The power, the desire.
The hunger.
If he hadn’t pulled back, she wouldn’t have been able to. For three years she’d yearned to have his lips on hers again. When it happened, she’d been too shocked to move at first.
But her body remembered what to do. Her arms went around his neck and she eagerly opened for him.
Her body pulsed with need. A need that only Ryder had ever been able to call up—or quench. She squeezed her legs together and rolled onto her side, but it didn’t do any good. Her sex ached to feel Ryder slide within her, filling her as only he could.
Kinsey had no idea how long she laid there thinking of Ryder and replaying all the times they’d made love in her mind when the door opened.
She remained on her side. The light from the hallway lit the room in an expanding triangle as the door opened. A large form filled the crack before the door was quickly—and quietly—shut.
Kinsey didn’t move a muscle. Who was in her room and why? She was getting ready to scream Ryder’s name when the form stepped away from the door and the shadows there. The glow from the moon shed little light, but it was enough for her to see wide shoulders and a profile she recognized all too well.
Ryder.
With her fear gone and replaced with curiosity, Kinsey slowly released the breath she’d been holding. Ryder was in her room.
Ryder was in her room!
What the hell? She was furious.
Wasn’t she?
Unfortunately, fury wasn’t anywhere close to what she was feeling. That was reserved for exhilaration. And anticipation.
Her heart rate increased, and it became difficult to breathe. All because Ryder was in the room. She wished now she was on her back so she could watch him. He’d moved out of view, walking behind her to the opposite side of the bed.
When the bed shifted with his weight, Kinsey could barely contain herself.
What about your pledge to ignore him? Weren’t you done with him?
She was just a woman, a woman with desires. She’d have to be dead not to want him. And she was anything but dead.
He’ll break your heart again.
It was already broken. What did it matter if she gave in and took some pleasure? After the past three years, didn’t she deserve that much?
At this, her subconscious was quiet.
There was a sigh from Ryder as he lay back upon the bed. For several minutes, he didn’t move. Then he turned toward her, stroking her hair.
Just like in her dreams!