Page 170 of The Immortal’s Mark

“Nothing,” I say again, frustration dripping from the word. “Like always. I think you and I are on the brink of something—that we’re finally going to be honest with each other. But then you chicken out.”

A shadow creeps over his face. I expect him to either deny my accusation or deflect it.

“I don’t want to cause you pain,” he says.

I frown. “What do you think I feel every time you reject what’s between us?”

There.

I said it.

My feelings are laid bare, open to more rejection and heartache.

But I can’t help it.

Whatever the bond did, that connection linking me to the stoic Immortal has never been so taut, so undeniable.

Every inch of me wants to close the distance between us and explore what this bond means.

But Des doesn’t feel the same.

Clearly.

He wouldn’t be able to stand there and tell me to go⁠—

Des growls. “Fuck it.”

His hand slides behind my neck while the other grips my waist, and he yanks me into his chest hard enough that I suck in a breath.

That same breath is stolen from my lungs when his mouth descends and crashes into mine.

41

DARCIE

Vibrant colors streak across my vision. Heat courses from my head to my toes.

I’ve kissed Des before.

But this moment, with the string binding my soul to his tugging into a firm knot, nothing in the past could ever compare.

Because Des and I are bonded.

I am his One.

And he admits it.

Finally.

I snake my arms around his neck and press into the kiss, determined not to let him retreat. I won’t let him run away from me again. Not if I can help it.

A trill courses through my veins, a silent voice humming its agreement.

Des drags his lips away and presses toe-curling kisses along my jaw. “Are you laughing at me?”

“Of course not.”

He kisses my neck. “Then why are you smiling?”