His gaze was deadly serious as he laid out the worst-case scenario in stark words. She nodded, raising her hands to hold his forearms on either side of her as he slid his hands to cup her shoulders.
“If that happens, I would be hurt regardless. Even if we never consummate this union , my heart knows its mate. And if you leave this plane of existence, I would mourn you. I might even want to follow you,” she whispered, admitting her deepest fear.
“Never.” His tone was adamant and he squeezed her shoulders for emphasis. “Promise me right now that you’ll never give up like that.”
She had to look away from the anger in his eyes. “I can’t.” Her voice broke as worry overtook her for a short, painful moment. “I don’t think I’m strong enough to go on without you,” she admitted in a small, frightened voice.
Loving brought vulnerability. She had learned that in the short time she’d known Mitch. It also brought strength and joy. They had to concentrate on that while they could. The worst would come. It always did. But for now, they could just be happy. Just for a little while. She just needed to convince him of it.
“You are the strongest woman I know,” Mitch insisted, one big hand going to her nape and pulling her in to his chest once more. He snaked his other hand around her waist.
She absorbed his warmth and was comforted by it. He was such a good man. The world would be a sadder place if he was taken from it.
She couldn’t let that happen. No way. No how.
“I’m glad you think so.” She needed to change the subject. She hadn’t meant to let this turn into something maudlin. This was supposed to be a joyous time. A time of discovery and celebration of the newness of acknowledging their bond. “I’d rather you thought I was the sexiest woman you know though, just for the record.”
She looked up at him, smiling and hoping he’d follow her lead in lightening the mood. She knew she’d hit the jackpot when he dipped his head lower once more.
He took her mouth in a hot, wet kiss that left her in no doubt about how he felt. He devoured her this time, staking his claim and demanding her compliance. She gave it willingly. Surrender was her pleasure and her inner tigress purred at his masterful dominance. This was the man she’d been dreaming about. The man of action and confidence who knew what he wanted and took it.
He broke the kiss and stole her breath by scooping her up into his arms. He walked toward the fire rather than the bed and she wanted to purr. There was a sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace that she’d been dreaming about ever since they’d come to the cabin. With the gas flames licking happily upward and shedding both heat and a fanciful light over the area, it was the perfect setting for a magical seduction.
Whether she’d seduced him or he was seducing her was a moot point. They were together. Finally. And there was no turning back now.
Mitch laid her down on the fluffy sheepskin, loving the way the softness of the pelt outlined her gorgeous features. She was a dream to him. A beautiful, aching dream of what could be—what was—on this magical, Goddess-given night.
He didn’t know how long this could last, but for whatever time they had left, they would be together. He couldn’t let her go now. Not after the heartbreaking way she’d admitted to the truth he could no longer deny.
He had thought staying away from her would protect her. He’d been wrong. Denying the pure fact that they were destined mates wasn’t doing either of them any good. Though uncertainty dominated their future, all he needed to worry about was the next few minutes…the next few hours…the next few days. The rest would take care of itself. Living in the moment was the best they could do for now.
Mitch gave in. He decided to take what time the Goddess would grant him with the love of his life and run with it. Whether they lasted a few days or a few decades was in the hands of the Mother of All, though Mitch vowed to do everything in his power to stay with Gina as long as he possibly could. It was added incentive—as if he needed any—to win the challenge he knew was coming.
He’d do anything for Gina. But for a chance to spend the rest of his life with her? He’d move mountains. He’d find a way to make it happen.
Mitch rested on his forearms over her compliant body. He stared down into her eyes and knew there was no turning back. He’d been a fool to think he could ever resist her.
“You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.” He gave her the words she’d teasingly asked for, and he meant every syllable. It was no joke to him.
Mitch had been pursued by women—human, cat shifter, even a werewolf bitch. He’d let a few of them catch him…for a time. He’d enjoyed women and liked to think he’d treated his lovers well. He’d thought he had a way with them. But nothing and no one could have prepared him for Gina. She was in a class by herself.