Total pages in book: 10
Estimated words: 9381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 47(@200wpm)___ 38(@250wpm)___ 31(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 9381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 47(@200wpm)___ 38(@250wpm)___ 31(@300wpm)
"I was quitting because I couldn't watch you fall in love with someone who wasn't me," I blurt, determined to make him see it once and for all. He gave me his truth. It's my turn. "I know Jace is dating someone now. I figured it was only a matter of time until I had to watch you find someone, too. I couldn't do it, Declan." Tears prick at my eyes at the thought. "I wouldn't survive watching you love someone who isn't me. You're all I ever think about."
He exhales a shaking breath, his eyes falling partially closed like they do when he's lost in the music. And then they spring open, boring into mine. "I've been going out of my fucking mind thinking about you finding someone ever since Jace started seeing his girl," he admits, pulling me even closer. His voice deepens. "I already knew the day you told me you met someone was the day my fucking life ended. I'd either kill the bastard, or my heart would just fucking stop beating."
"There's never been anyone but you. I write about you, Declan. Um, I've been obsessed with you since I auditioned for the band." A blush climbs up my cheeks. "Maybe even before then."
"Yeah?" He grins, tracing the heat climbing up my cheeks with a fingertip. "Did you audition to meet me, Rebel?"
"No. I mean, maybe I wanted to meet you, but I also wanted to be in the band."
"Thank fucking God," he growls. "You're the best thing that ever happened to us."
My gaze flies to his.
"I mean it. We wouldn't have survived the last few years without you. You kept us all sane, especially Saint." Pride shines in Declan's eyes. "We adore you for that, you know?"
"Why didn't you ever tell me how you felt?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"I didn't want to risk losing you," I whisper. "You always ignored it when people asked about us. It's literally a whole thing with our fans, Declan. You never even hinted that you wanted more. I thought it was just me."
"Never hinted?" His brows furrow. "Every song we write together, I tell you how I feel. I spend every waking moment with you, Rebel. I don't let anyone else get close to you. I go where you go. You think I'm by your side for the hell of it? I'm by your side because it's where I belong, baby."
"I didn't know. You never said!"
"I know, Christ, I know. I'm a fucking coward. Part of me was always fucking worried there was someone else you wanted, someone else who had your heart. I didn't want to risk losing you, so I just fucking didn't say anything." He runs his thumb along my bottom lip. "I'd rather have one piece of your heart than none of it, Pen. If I had to spend the rest of my goddamn life as your best friend just to have a piece of you, that's what I'd do to keep you close. I know what it is to be loved by you. You think I'd give that up and spend the rest of my life living in hell without you? Fuck no."
"Don't you dare make me cry, Declan Riser."
"Oh, I'm not going to make you cry, baby. I have other plans for you." He spears his hand into my damp hair, his gaze dropping to my lips. Those wicked blue eyes darken. "You've got about two seconds to tell me no if you don't want me all over you."
"Declan? Shut up and kiss me already."
His lips slant down over mine. He doesn't kiss me. He destroys me, claiming my mouth as if he owns it.
I moan, melting into him. He sips at my lips, growling as if I'm the best thing he's ever tasted. The heat between us ignites like an inferno, denied for far too long already.
Never again. God, never, ever again.
"Damn right, never again," he rasps against my lips, letting me know I said that out loud. He boosts me up into his arms with his hands on my ass. I lock my legs around his waist, wrapping myself around his hard body. "This is happening, Rebel. I'm not going to slow down or go backward with you now. You're mine."
"Yeah?" I press my lips to his ear, loving the sound of that. "Then prove it, Declan. Make me yours."
"Plan on it, baby. Hold on tight."
Chapter Five
Declan
Pen and I undress one another in silence, too busy kissing to speak. I run my hands all over her perfect body, touching her the way I've ached to do for five long years. I spend time on every curve, every creamy inch of skin, learning every single spot that makes her quiver and every perfect one that makes her moan and squirm. She's so fucking lush everywhere, overflowing my hands in the best way. I can't get enough.