Later that night, Chago opened the guest room door and smiled as Irena passed him then stopped near the end of the double bed. Their evening out with Mira and Kagan had been nice, and he felt he and Irena had made progress. She seemed more comfortable with him. Now if he could just relax himself, they’d be all set.

He swallowed hard against the anxiety constricting his throat and closed the door behind them. “I can sleep on the floor. Or out in the living room on the sofa.”

“Kagan and Mira seem happy,” she said, avoiding his statement entirely.

He glanced at her, nodded. “They are. I feel it.”

“You do?” She looked at him expectantly.

“Hmm. As I feel your emotions too.” He took a tentative seat beside her on the bed. “Something wrong?”

“I don’t know.” She toyed with the hem of her shirt. “Just nervous, I guess.”

“You’re not the only one.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.” He reached for her hand. “I want to be with you, Irena, not just for a night. I’ll do anything to convince you.”

His pulse thudded as he waited for her answer, balanced on the edge of falling and desperate to make her see that things between them could work if she gave him a chance.

“That’s not why I’m nervous.” She looked into his eyes, her blue gaze full of honesty. He’d give anything to hear her say she wanted to spend eternity with him. “I’m scared about tomorrow.”

“You’ll be safe here with Mira.”

“No. I’m worried for you, Chago.”

His name on her lips stirred his soul and he held her tighter. “I’ll be fine. I will not surrender, Irena. Not to anyone but you. I am your Scion. I will always come back to you.”

She threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his shoulder. He held her close, her breath warm against the side of his throat, teasing him, His eyes slid closed. It felt so good to have her back in his arms, the first clear sign she might give him the chance he wanted more than life itself.

Chago kissed the top of her head. She’d worn her hair down tonight, and it spilled like pale moonlight down her spine. He loved the floral scent of her shampoo mixed with warm, clean woman. She raised her head a bit and murmured his name against his jaw.

Pulling away was the hardest thing he’d ever done, but he refused to rush her. “It’s been a long day. You should get some sleep. I’ll take the floor. Unless you’d rather have me out of the room.”

He stilled, hoping she wouldn’t avoid his question again. He had to know where this was heading. Having her so close, yet unable to touch her, had been nearly as torturous as what he’d suffered at the hands of the Nephilim. All day he’d longed to pull her close, to kiss her until they were both breathless with need, then make sweet love to her again. He wanted another night in her arms.

He wanted forever.

Irena stroked her fingers down his chest.“I don’t want you to sleep on the floor.”

“What do you want?” He held her gaze, needing to hear the words in order to believe this was happening.

“I want you.”

The words nearly dropped him to his knees. Chago couldn’t resist any longer and kissed her. She rewarded his courage by parting her lips. This time would be so much better. There were no longer any secrets between them.

His tongue danced with hers, tasting her, teasing her, luring her deeper into the kiss. She pushed him back onto the bed then took charge, climbing atop him, her thighs straddling his hips, her breasts grazing his chest as she leaned over to ravish his mouth again, hot and deep.

She was clearly enjoying her power, her grin wicked as she tugged off her shirt. He groaned at the sight of her red lace bra. She left him to shimmy out of her jeans, revealing a matching scarlet thong.

Too much. It was all too much. Chago wanted her so badly he ached, but any coherent thoughts fled as Irena undid his belt. He didn’t move, not wanting to break the spell, marveling at the growing hunger in her eyes. He was completely at her mercy. She made deft work of the button at his waistband then slowly drew down his zipper and slipped his hand inside his boxers to free his hard cock. Her thumb grazed the sensitive tip and he growled, praying she’d take him into her mouth.

Irena didn’t disappoint.

After climbing between his spread thighs, she took him in hand again, catching the bead of moisture at his tip with her index finger before bringing it to her lips. She unbuttoned his shirt, tracing her fingers over his Scion mark again. The power of her Seal pulsed through him, strengthening the connection between them and he felt her desire, her need. His heart pounded faster and he closed his eyes.

At last, she ran her nails down his chest, wrapping one hand around the base of his throbbing cock while fondling his balls with the other, then took the tip of his cock into her warm, wet mouth. He did his best not to thrust, but it was difficult. The feel of her lips around him was pure bliss. She worked him well, taking as much of his length into her mouth as possible while working the rest of him with her fingers. From her soft moans, she was enjoying this as much as him.

All too soon, though, Chago felt a familiar tightening at the base of his spine and threaded his fingers through Irena’s hair, pulling her away. When he came, he wanted to be deep inside her. He ran his hands down her sides, snagging that red lace thong on the way and sliding it down her thighs. She reached behind herself to undo her bra. Soon, that joined its mate on the floor.

“Please.” Her voice was rough with need.

After putting on a condom, he rolled her beneath him then gave her another heated kiss, his cock sliding between her thighs to rub against her slick folds, while he lavished attention on her breasts. She gave a breathy sigh and he couldn’t wait any longer. Drawing back, he positioned himself at her wet entrance.

She stared deep into his eyes. “Make love to me.”

He entered her slowly, until he was buried inside her to the hilt. He stayed still a moment, allowing her body to adjust. Then he began to thrust, long strokes that had her whimpering each time he withdrew. He kept the pace unhurried, running his hands through her hair, wanting this to be more than the furious coupling they’d shared the night before. This time was about passion and their feelings.

Irena met his gentle kisses as he moved within her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him deeper penetration. His heart raced in time with hers and he lost himself in the feel of them together. She groaned and he held her hip, driving into her, quickening the rhythm until she tensed, so close now.

“More,” she whispered, and he obliged, pumping faster. He wanted more too. More connection, more acceptance.

Her body clenched around him as she orgasmed, but kept his thrusts steady. She arched and he buried his face in her throat, concentrating on her emotions—warm and strong—suffusing every inch of his body. She loved him too.

She’d given him a second chance.

“Chago.” Her voice caught. He murmured soothingly, letting her know he was right there. She didn’t need to be afraid. They were both falling.

They both had both fallen.

She would catch him just as he would catch her, and Irena would be his reason to go on.

For that, he loved her more than words could say.

Chago thrust deeper, seeking his own climax. She kissed him again and he closed his eyes as he came hard, wave after wave of pleasure coursing through him, until at last, he relaxed onto the bed beside her, rolling slightly so he didn’t crush her beneath his weight.

Their mingled breath panted in the quiet room.

She sighed, turning onto her side to kiss him.

Irena didn’t have to worry about him. With her love, he was invincible. She gave him the strength to face any temptation, the strength to find the evidence he needed and defeat the Nephilim once and for all.

Chago stroked the damp hair from her forehead and she chuckled. He loved that sweet sound, loved how relaxed things were between them now. Irena looked at him with eyes full of the love.

She’d made her decision.

She’d chosen to be with him.

Now he had a decision to make as well. Once this was over, he wanted to be the man she needed, not the sullen isolated loner he’d grown into over the last century. He wanted to be fun, carefree, strong and sure—so she’d never doubt her love for him. He wanted forever with her. He’d do whatever was necessary to make that happen.

Even if it meant sacrificing his immortality.