Jagged Embrace

Chapter 92 - Maeve

She and Ander had avoided each other all day. After lunch, they'd loaded most of their gear into the SUV, but she and Ander had stayed to clean the room while Will paid for the damages. Technically, they'd be on the records as guests for two more days, just in case anyone investigated it.

"Ander I..." Maeve hung her head. There were no words that could change anything.

A distinct crunch filled her ears, Maeve's eyes flicked to the noise. Ander was eating an apple while he checked the room again. Unable to pull her gaze away, she stared at him, eating the apple. Her hand slipped up to touch where his lips had been on her neck as she pulled her teeth over her lower lip, her eyes fixed on his mouth. A heartbeat later, Ander stood in front of her and offered the apple to her.

"Do you want a bite?" he whispered.

Her eyes traveled up to his face and locked with his. Maeve took the apple. His free hand cupped her chin and cheek, his eyes bright with need. How many times had he looked at her like that? Had she been gazing at him the same way?

His mouth lowered to hers as her arm went around his neck, and her fingers slid into his hair. Electricity filled the air and cracked with energy. Bright flashes of color burst behind her closed eyes. It was like a star exploded and rained pieces of shimmering light.

Hope and excitement filled his soft kisses. The longing to connect with her washed over her like a wave, leaving her breathless. Her mouth opened to his kiss. Their tongues met and entwined together. His hand slid down to the small of her back, slow and sensual, before he pressed her against his shaft. A moan of desire escaped her lips, but was consumed by the kiss.

Sparks of electricity burst along her lips and zipped down her limbs. He had woken something in her that demanded a response. She dug her fingers into his scalp. She loved how soft his hair always was. Her body craved his cool skin against hers, compelled her to consume his adoration. Far back in her mind, there was a weak protest, but the dancing colors drowned it out. The feel of his body squeezed against hers, the taste of him, drove out all logic and only left her with need.

Time stood still as every moment they touched replayed in her mind. All drawing them to this point. She couldn't deny her feelings or craving for him. As soon as their lips touched, any pretense she had about their relationship shattered like the stars that had exploded behind her lids. Surprised when he slowly ended their kiss, her eyes opened in confusion. He broke their embrace, stepping back to turn away.

Seconds later, the door opened and Will strode in. Maeve stood motionless, her hand still gripped on Ander's apple.

"You ready?"

Maeve forced her legs to move and sat on the chair. What had she done? It took all of her willpower not to look at either of them.

"You were hungry?" Will asked casually, no idea of her betrayal.

He spoke to her, but she couldn't face him.

"I really like apples," she mumbled and then felt stupid.

Will chuckled somewhere beside her. He pulled her up and spun her into his arms, her back pressed against him before he placed a kiss on her temple. "You never mentioned it before. We can pick up some if you want," he whispered in her ear playfully and nuzzled her neck.

Her eyes remained on the apple in her palm. "I forgot... they existed." Her mind was still reeling from her kiss with Ander.

"You feel okay?" Will loosened his hold on her.

She had to get it together. Maeve gripped the apple a little tighter and lifted a shoulder. He let her go, turning her to him.

"I think I'm just worried I'll screw this up," she kept her voice level and calm.

Will narrowed his eyes. Did he already know? Concern for what Will would do to Ander made her stomach bottom out.

"You'll be great. The only difference between the last two times and this one is you get to see us kill a monster." He gave her his charming smile.

Assaulted by her love for him, guilt from her actions, fear for their safety and concern for Ander's emotions, she couldn't respond. He released her, gently brushed his knuckles against her cheek before he turned and strolled out the door. Ander stood with the bag gripped in his left hand, his expression tormented. For several seconds, they stood staring at each other before he took a deep breath and tore his eyes from hers.