Magical Mistakes(45)

She cut him off before he could make more excuses. “Let me tell you what I’ve learned,” she said, shifting closer to him. “Demons are violent, but you have put up with my meddling and my mistakes without ever retaliating. Demons care for no one but even weakened you took on your cousin to protect me and my family.” She reached out to cup his face between her palms. “Demons don’t love,” she whispered, leaning closer. “But the very fact that you are no longer a poodle proves that belief a lie. You love. And so do I.”

“Rouke won’t leave us alone.”

Mikayla rolled her eyes. “I’m not naïve. But if he comes back, we’ll handle it.”

A smile curved his lips. “Mikayla, I know you’re brave but you saw what my magic did to you.”

“You’re worth the risk. Every risk. Don’t you get it yet? There is nothing you can say that will drive me away. I’ve waited for you for months. No way in hell I’m giving up when I’m so close,” she told him. “I’ve decided I’m not going to let you run and you know how stubborn I can be.”

“This is a bad idea,” he murmured, his hands rising to rest lightly on her waist.

“Yeah,” she agreed. “But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s one I want to make for the rest of my life.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “You couldn’t have just told me that?”

“Needed to prove my point,” she replied. “Plus, you left me in the park and walked away. I’d say a beer in the face is the least you deserve.”

“I left for all the right reasons,” he murmured. “You know I did.”

Mikayla drew back slightly.

“I love you.” She said the words without hesitation. Now was not the time to be cautious. When it came to Ciar, she was all in.

His face gave nothing away as he studied her.

“I love you,” she repeated. “Your reasons may be valid but we can get through them together. I love you enough to take on your crazy family and your dark magic. I can handle all that you are as long as I have you by my side. So tell me you want to stay by mine.”

He shook his head, a smile on his lips. “Silly witch,” he murmured. “You should know better than to tempt a demon.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist and bent her backward as his mouth covered hers. Mikayla smiled as she clutched his shoulders. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, demanding entrance, and she was only too happy to comply. He kissed her with the same desperation she’d endured since their parting. Fire surged through her as it always did when they touched. If they’d been home, she wouldn’t have hesitated to push him into a bedroom and strip him for her pleasure.

But they weren’t home. They were in a crowded bar, everyone currently watching their reunion   in stunned silence. Not that it mattered. Nothing was more important than Ciar. She slanted her mouth over his, deepening the kiss. No matter what their future held, she always wanted to return to this man’s arms. Bring on the chaotic demon drama. Ciar was worth it.

“I love you,” he confessed against her lips. “You changed everything, Mikayla.” He pressed a last, lingering kiss to her mouth before easing back.

“Have I finally caught you, then?” she asked with a grin.

He returned the smile, looking more carefree than she’d ever seen him. “I can’t very well refuse. After all, who knows what you’d turn me into this time?”

Mikayla punched his shoulder playfully only to have him throw back his head and laugh, no doubt astounding their audience.

“God, I missed you,” he said.

She smiled as she tilted her mouth up to his for a kiss. As their lips met, Mikayla knew this was one man she’d always fight to keep.

Together, they were pure magic.