Chapter 183 Chapter 183
“Thank you,” she breathed, “For everything.”
“No need to thank me, love,” he whispered.
He dipped his head, burying it at the column of her neck, breathing in her sweet scent. One of his hands slipped her bra strap off her shoulder, and not a second later, he began to plant kiss after kiss on her neck, slowly moving towards her shoulder.
Valerie closed her eyes in bliss, instinctively leaning back and resting her head on his shoulder to give him better access. The irresistible touch of his lips had a heat pool in her stomach, igniting a burning desire within her. The beats of her heart became faster as her longing grew. He placed countless hungry kisses on her delicate neck, leaving purple marks as he sucked and nibbled on her skin.
It was only after a while, when he stopped and lingered in one spot, that she found her voice. It sounded breathy, a little raspy. “Maxwell, why did you stop?” she asked.
His answer was a throaty chuckle. Arms hugging her stomach tighter, she was flush with his firm chest and abs, feeling them against her back. She realized that she wanted him to do more than just kiss her, opening her eyes to glance at him. He gave her neck another teasing kiss and raised his head to meet her heated gaze. Of course, he knew what she wanted—he could sense it.
“As much as I hate saying it,” he sighed. “We shouldn’t go any further than this.”
“Why?” she whined, pouting.
“Because you are still injured, sugar.”
“So unfair,” she grumbled, placing her hand on his that rested on her stomach. “Don’t you want me?”
He was silent for a few seconds. She felt the rise and fall of his chest as he inhaled and exhaled. “Of course I want you,” he said huskily, voice so low it sounded like a growl. “It’s not easy to hold back with you looking so delectable. We have a lot to catch up on when you’re healed.”
Her cheeks flushed. How could someone be this irresistible? Sometimes, she still couldn’t believe her luck, couldn’t fathom that their relationship was real. After she had broken up with her ex, she had been sure she would never fall in love again.
“Then it’s a promise,” she answered, and he chuckled lowly.
“Look forward to it, sugar,” he muttered, breathing a kiss on her shoulder.
“You’re the biggest tease I have ever encountered,” she mumbled, still a little frustrated but also somewhat charmed by his caring attitude towards her and her injuries. He was something else, she couldn’t help but notice again and again.
“Well, I’m always the best at everything I do,” he replied, arrogantly arching his eyebrow. “Or did you expect anything less of me?”
She cracked up, grinning at him. “No, no. It’s a known fact that Maxwell sets an impossibly high standard.”
“And there you have it,” he added smugly. “I’m better than everyone.”
Seeing an opportunity to tease him back, she said, “What about me, though? Are you also better than me?” Valerie put her best, most convincing pout on her face. His eyes widened, flitting to her lips for just a moment.
“I would say…” he began.
“Yes?”
“You’re… on the same level as me,” he mumbled.
Her face revealed her astonishment at that, showing pure surprise. “Oh… I didn’t expect that,” she said, slowly beginning to smile.
He pulled her in with his arms around her back, holding her possessively. His lips found her wrist, and he kissed the gleaming star on her skin. “I already told you how I feel about you,” he murmured. “My love.”
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Valerie was wrapped in Maxwell’s arms, her heart still soaring from his confession. A joyful smile had settled on her lips. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beats of his heart. Floating on cloud nine and snuggled up to the person she loved most, she was the happiest she could be. Her vibrant emotions were passed on through the bond, and he sensed them, got drunk on her happiness—he could never get enough of it. After the situation with the blood mage had been resolved, he had been feeling her joy more often, and now it seemed as though it had reached a new high. Maxwell gazed down at her, letting his hand trail over her side. It came to rest on her hipbone, his thumb drawing circles on her body.
“I could stay here all day,” she whispered. Her eyes were closed. She was completely relaxed and at peace.
“I’m not complaining if you do,” he said, amusedly as he watched her. With her black hair being slightly messy and her cheeks rosy, she looked delectable. Overtaken by the urge to kiss her, his hand cupped her cheek, gently tilting her head up. She blinked at him, surprised when he closed the distance between their lips.
His mouth moved against hers, hungrily kissing her. A wave of hot passion and a strong sense of want washed over her. Despite his undeniable desire for her, he was holding himself back, keeping his hands on her hips to avoid touching the injuries on her back. He growled lowly when she bit his bottom lip.
“Are you being a tease, sugar?” he whispered huskily against her lips. He elicited a gasp from her when he dominated the kiss, their tongues touching. She gave in easily, enjoying the way he made her feel. His possessiveness came back to light when his embrace became tighter. He licked over her bottom lip, and when they separated, a string of saliva connected them. Ruby's eyes trailed over her face, taking in her pink cheeks and swollen lips. He gave a devilish smirk upon noticing her breathless state and feverish gaze.
“Did you like that?” he asked slyly.
Valerie caught her breath before she answered, “Of course I did. You should know best.”
“True,” he chuckled, running his hand through her black hair, combing it with his fingers. The repetitive motion felt calming to her, so she closed her eyes and lay her head on his chest.
“I’m glad we got bonded, Maxwell,” she mumbled. “I can’t imagine how life would be without you.”
“Less dangerous, but also less fun.” His voice took on a seductive tinge, making her blush.
“Typical demon,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You think of sex all the time, don’t you?”