Evaline:
I let my head fall against River's shoulder, completely relaxing into him as his arms tightened around me.
Being held by my mates always did that - it grounded me, centered me.
His warmth seeped into my side where his chest pressed against me, solid and reassuring. One of his arms was wrapped securely around my back, his palm resting flat against the side of my waist, thumb moving in slow, absent circles that made my breathing deepen without me even realizing it.
I felt him lean closer.
His nose brushed lightly against the shell of my ear before he nuzzled into my hair, inhaling slowly.
The intimate gesture sent a soft shiver down my spine.
My fingers slid down until they found his other hand resting over my thigh, and I threaded our fingers together without thinking.
He let me.
Of course he did.
And when I finally turned my face to fully look at him, I realized just how close we were.
Too close.
Or maybe not close enough.
