Page 81 of Tethered Fates

The excitement of Sen giving up control is a high I’ll always chase, yet as I bear myself to him, I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I’m doing willingly. How can I tell the difference between falling in love and being soulmates?

If there even is one.

“Don’t lie to me again.”

Sen is quiet for a long stretch. “I thought you’d hear from Lucero. I never planned to take you to my hotel, to have sex, to…”

To fall in love, the unsaid things are loud between us.

“I tried to walk away. I wanted distance to protect—”

“I don’t need protecting,” I bite out each word.

He steers between the wrought iron gates and glides to a gentle stop. “You do.”

My annoyance bubbles hot. I press myself into the window as I hear him shift toward me.

“I want you exactly as you are; climb the tallest tower, dive the deepest oceans, skate as fast as you can. I will never stop you. But I plan to be by your side for all of it. You are fucking strong, and capable, and so damn beautiful it drives me insane.”

I press my lips together to stop them from twitching.

“But in this…” Sen cards his fingers through my curls. “I will keep you safe, and I promise never to hide anything again.”

I turn to face him, his expression serious. I can fight him all I want, but I know he’s right, which I don’t want to admit. So after a stubborn beat, I say, “Someone’s acting very butch and protective.”

Sen chuckles low. “On occasion.” And because Sen knows me, as I know him, we both hear the unsaid agreement.

He cups my face, his thumb stroking my cheek, and I find that I don’t care if this is fate or love or a weird, horny mix of both—I want Sen, forever.

“Listen, sweetheart,” he says like an old noir detective, and I can’t stop my twitching lip from turning into a full, beaming smile. “You’re in deep, and I plan to do everything I can to get you out clean.”

I uncross my arms and lay a palm over his. “I want you out clean, too, slick.”

Sen leans forward. “There ain’t been a day in this damn city where I’ve been clean. But since it’s you askin’...” He brushes our lips together. “I’ll do my damndest.”

“And we’ll have time to work on…being,” I whisper against his lips. “Together?”

“Yes.”

I don’t know who moves first, but our mouths clash. I tangle my fingers into his hair, grab hold of the strands and force him closer. Sen’s arm wraps around my waist to push our chests together. The small space heats, the windows fogging as we share each panted breath.

I want to climb onto his lap. I want his fingers back inside me. I want to tell him exactly what I want, and for this badass motherfucking vampire to do exactly what I say.

I ache for more, for everything. I don’t get hard, but with Sen, I don’t care.

The door on my side rips open, letting in a whoosh of cold air. I take my time turning to find my brother’s glare.

“Can’t you see we were making out?” I ask, Sen’s chuckle vibrating against my cheek where his face is pressed.

“I wish this was the first time I’ve had to say this to you, Teagan.” Kai levels me with an unimpressed look. “But untangle yourself from the man, and get out of the car.”

“Not the first time, huh?” Sen smirks, letting me go and stepping out on his side.

After a beat, I crawl over the console to follow Sen, then raise an eyebrow at Kai, who only rolls his eyes and slams the door shut.

“I told you I was a slut,” I tell Sen, taking his hand and pulling him towards the mansion. “I thought you were cool with that?”

“I have no problem with your history. I much prefer you over some terrified virgin.”