Page 132 of The Unseen Hour

“It is,” Orion agreed.

The following morning was when he would meet Charon. He would lead the Shades with the god. I would sneak to the back of the mass of Shades as they exited the Ether, as far from Charon as I could get. Once we made it to Emrys and Charon went off on his own, Orion would go to the church ruins and the cemetery. I’d go to Death’s church.

We had one shot.

Orion paused before climbing under the blanket with me.

Once we returned, our sleeping arrangements would no doubt differ. I had to believe we would be successful in keeping Orion in Emrys. That meant our relationship would cause gossip the likes of which Fox Haven had never seen. A long-dead duke and the missing daughter of the Hipnosis? Instant news. A Hipnosi daughter returning after a year-long disappearance with a mysterious man at her side? Just as good for gossip fodder. Even if we had to leave Emrys to be together, if someone saw me we’d be the main topic of conversation for years.

It wouldn’t bother me either way, but I hoped my family wouldn’t suffer. I was going to be infamous no matter what, reappearing after a year. Our story would depend on how much of what happened was witnessed by the people of Emrys. Would they see our action with their own eyes, or would we just be the town fools, laughed at for our fantastic tales?

Would I even have Orion, or would I be back around everyone I loved and feel entirely alone?

And what of him? My own feelings were the least of my concern. What would happen to Ry if he were trapped in the Ether by himself again, with only the creatures for company?

“Starlight? What’s the matter?” I jumped as I realized Orion was kneeling in front of me. He reached a hand up and wiped away a tear.

“We will succeed. You will see your home again. You have my word.”

That just made it worse, and more tears made their way down my face.

“That’s not it,” I managed, struggling to keep some hold on my emotions.

“Then what?”

I took a few shaky breaths, trying and failing three times to get the words out before I managed it.

“You are my home. I don’t want to lose this.”

I sat up, reaching for Orion. He wrapped his arms around me.

“You will always have me. You own my heart. No matter what forces try to come between us, I belong to you.”

I sprang forward, kissing his cheeks, the stubble across his chin, his full lips. His tongue swiped against my bottom lip, and I opened my mouth to him.

He pressed me back down against the blankets, holding his body above mine as he continued the kiss.

Orion peppered a trail of soft bites down the curve of my neck. The contact sent a thrill along my spine, and I sighed, leaning into him. Like so many times before, our clothes quickly ended up in a pile on the floor, nothing more than an inconvenience. I never wanted to see another dress again. I’d never have removed a corset or layers so quickly.

Orion’s mouth continued downward. His tongue grazed my hipbone, and I jerked.

“Beautiful,” he murmured. “Adventurous, compassionate, strong. I never thought I’d find someone like you.”

Then, he pressed his tongue against my core, and brought up one hand to rub against my clit. He continued his torturous teasing, and I moaned, throwing one arm over my mouth to muffle the needy sound.

Orion reached a hand up, tugging my arm down.

“I want all of you, Starlight. Every shiver, every moan, every shudder. I want every sound and moment of your pleasure, uninhibited.”

With his hand he gently held my arm down.

Familiar pressure built in me. Orion’s tongue flicked out, and I shattered, screaming his name.

“Ry!” I broke his hold, both my hands reaching and pulling on his back, tugging him toward me. His mouth captured mine again.

“I need,” I said breathlessly when we broke apart.

“Tell me,” he urged.