Page 40 of The Dark Elf's Secret Baby

And instead of pulling away from me, Layla closes her eyes and her lips meet mine.

And finally, my world feels complete.

24

Layla

Iknow I shouldn’t, but as soon as Kerym’s lips meet mine, I melt into him. I’ve been trying for days to remind myself that I left him for a reason. Protheka isn’t kind to people like us, but no matter how many times I told myself that, or that he was probably just using me to pass the time or that his dark nature would come out, I never stopped loving him.

It’s hard for my heart to not understand reality, and having Kerym show up here and treat me the way I’ve always wanted has not made matters better.

Even now, I can’t think of why I shouldn’t want this. It’s like he’s erasing every doubt I’ve ever had. It’s obvious he cares for me now, and I don’t have to worry he won’t love Jasper. And even the concern I had that we won’t be safe together is diminished by his position.

The only thing really holding me back now is fear itself. And I’m not sure how much longer that grip will outweigh the love I have for him.

Because I do love Kerym. I have loved Kerym for years and every time the thought has risen, I’ve pushed it away. But as he pulls me against him, my lips parting as his tongue seeks mine, it’s become too hard to ignore that he ignites a fire not just between my legs but in my soul.

Tasting Kerym is like a breath of fresh air, and I’ve desperately missed him. Even if I refused to say it. I’ve wanted him, but I never thought it was a real possibility.

Until now.

But the second I start to let go, my worries creep in. How could we make this work? Will our lives really mesh in the way I’m imagining or am I just creating heartbreak for myself?

“Layla,” he moans softly, moving from my lips to my jaw. I tilt my head, sighing softly as his teeth scrape just below my ear. “You’re tense.”

I nod slowly, savoring the way his lips feel on my skin. Kerym is the one person who knows my favorite spots, and I haven’t even been letting myself enjoy it.

And for just tonight, I want to enjoy something. I want to enjoyhim.

Kerym pulls back as I slowly relax, giving me a coy grin that sends a thrill through my body. He truly is unfairly handsome.

“How often do you swim?” His hands wander down the lean curves of my body, and I, not for the first time, feel a little self conscious of how much I’ve changed since I last saw him. But then his eyes light up as he presses into me, and I realize that I am no less beautiful now than I ever was to him.

I tug my lip through my teeth. “In the ocean? Maybe a handful of times since I’ve moved here. I won’t take Jas into the water.”

He nods, and one hand slowly skims up my side until he’s brushing just my fingertips along my cheek to tuck a lock of my hair back. “You are such a good mom.”

My heart stutters. I don’t think Kerym even sees what he does to me. He’s just being himself, and it’s undoing me.

“But you need time for yourself.” At that, I cock my head, and that mischievous grin is back. “Let’s go for a swim.”

I look back at the water and then to him. “Now?” He nods. A flustered laugh escapes me. “Kerym, I don’t have a swimsuit.”

He weaves a lock of hair around his finger. “That’s not what I asked.”

My cheeks heat, though I doubt he can see it. I haven’t been with anyone but Kerym, and the idea of undressing suddenly feels nerve-wracking. Until his hand slides from from my hip to the small of my back and slips under the hem of my shirt.

“You can stop me if you want,” he breathes, as he tugs at my shirt, and I nod.

His eyes roam my face as he slowly pulls my shirt over my head, and then his gaze dips lower. The way he takes me in, like I am new to him, emboldens me, and I undo my bra, letting it slide down my arms. His eyes bulge as he follows the movement, and I slide my hands up to his chest.

“Come on, Kerym,” I tease in a sultry tone. “I thought we were going for a swim.”

He gulps, his eyes slowly moving back to my face as I undo his tunic, and he helps me slide it off. His abs jump as I move down to his waist band, and he says nothing as I unlace his pants and slide the trousers and underwear off in one go.

He’s rock hard, and heat pools low in my core as I take him in. But then he’s pulling off my pants and lifting me in his arms before I can focus on it for too long.

I squeal as I wrap my legs around his waist and he charges forward into the ocean. The cold water laps at my skin, and I shriek, which only makes Kerym chuckle.