Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

In one movement, she was in his arms.

She didn’t know if she was the one that moved toward him or if he was the one to close the distance. All she knew was that she was wrapping her arms around his neck and his arms were closing around her.

Nia buried her face into the crook of his neck and he allowed her to.

“Thank you, Ka’Cit. How can I ever repay you for all you’ve done for me?”

His voice was hoarse when he spoke, so hoarse she almost thought he was clearing his throat.

“This…” he said. “Ta’ii, this is payment enough.”

“You keep calling me that…tah-ee. What does it mean?”

He stiffened a little and she thought he wasn’t going to reply.

“It means…friend.”

Friend.

Nia smiled.

For a moment, she allowed herself to relax against him. Her nose was buried against his skin and she could smell his unique musk.

It was surprisingly calming and…nice—like ginger with a dash of cinnamon.

Comforting.

She wasn’t sure how long he held her there, but as she sniffled and wiped her eyes, Nia eased off him slowly.

Her cheek brushed against his, as she moved back, and when her face was just before his, she paused.

His green gaze met hers as they looked at each other and Nia didn’t know what was holding her still; she only knew that she could not move.

Ka’Cit lifted a hand and brushed a finger slowly down her cheek.

He watched his finger move, as if he was memorizing every line on her face.

That corrosive green gaze of his met hers once more and the air between them changed.

When his gaze fell to her lips, Nia felt her breathing quicken.

Involuntarily, she ran her tongue over her bottom lip and that’s when she heard the rumble in his throat.

For a moment, she almost pulled away, but something held her unmoving within his arms.

And then…

As her lips fell against his, electricity snapped and crackled in the air between them.

A deep groan vibrated from his throat as they made contact and Nia felt her body responding.

Her nipples were tight, her center suddenly aching, and it felt like she’d ignited a fire that was burning bright in the center of her being.

Ka’Cit gripped her tight and pulled her against him.

He groaned again, a sound that sent electricity to her center, and that tight little bud between her legs began to throb.

His lips were soft, softer than she’d expected them to be, and when she flicked her tongue out to brush against them, he groaned so loud, his body vibrated against hers.