21. Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Guilt was an ache he'd never heal. Though he'd wanted to be true to Eden since the moment he'd seen her in that first vision, the Heat had compromised his plans. Seeing her hurt by what he'd done only made the ache sharpen.

Nero needed to reassure her that he'd always belonged to her—even before they'd met. At some point soon, he'd show her his studio. While he knew it might be overwhelming, it might help heal what he'd unintentionally done.

"I'm sorry, Eden," he whispered. "I'm sorry I hurt you."

Her fingers tightened where she'd reached over to grab his. The steady contact helped to calm the storm within him, and he recentered himself on the subtle pulse he could feel through her skin.

A tragic chuckle. "It was before we met, Nero. You are allowed to have a life before me."

Her reassurance didn't do much to heal the hurt that lingered between them. When her fingers gently caressed the lines of his jaw, his panther yowled in need. Gaze growing heated, he watched as Eden's lips parted, tilting toward his in open invitation.

Nero's growl echoed the ache in his heart. He was like an addict, drunk on the feeling of her lips, needing it to survive just one more day. And Eden needed him just as much.

Her hands wove behind his neck, applying a pressure that could only mean one thing. Complying instantly, he embraced her as she locked her legs around his waist. He backed her against a wall, only separating his mouth from hers to kiss along the slender column of her neck.

Her breathy moan only spurred him on, and everything within him was like a live wire. Where her skin touched his, sparks erupted. As his instincts took over, the panther surfaced—and was in a mood to mark her as his.

"Naughty kitty."

This time, Nero's growl was a heady mixture of aggressiveness and arousal. "Looks like you forgot your squirt gun. What are you going to do now?"

"Oh, I can think of a few ways to make you behave."

Her fingers sifted through his thick hair. When she unexpectedly fisted a hand in them and yanked backward, it bared his neck to her. The submissive position was unfamiliar, and the dominant animal that shared his soul didn't know what to make of it. As he struggled to form a response, she hummed in triumph.

Nero shuddered, having to consciously remind himself to keep hold of the passionate woman in his arms. He remained at her mercy by his own will.

"For a naughty cat, Nero, you're mighty ease to discipline."

"I aim to please."

Before she could respond, Eden's stomach growled loudly, and he chastised himself for not seeing to her needs. He was failing as her mate—in multiple areas—and they'd known each other less than a week.

"Guess I'm hungry."

Nero set her down gently, after claiming her lips in one final, lingering kiss. "What shall I make you?"

"How about I make you something?" She fired back. "I'm not a chef by any means, but I could probably show you that grilled cheese I told you about, the one my grandfather used to make for me."

Making herself at home in the kitchen, she grabbed bread and cheese. Fortunately, those were two things he always kept in stock in his kitchen. Working diligently, she explained, "The trick is to melt the butter first. Then you paint it on the bread like it's going out of style."

Ten minutes later, Nero's panther was purring at the smell. His mate had used both a slice of cheese and shredded cheese, making sure that every flavorful bit of her creation was covered in something rich and delicious. She sauntered over when it was done, plate in hand.

"Open up, you."

She held a perfectly crispy triangle out to him. Nero did as she asked, memorizing everything about this moment.

Because this moment was the one he'd yearned for. It was the one he'd replayed a thousand times. This moment was one of the few Key had foreseen and shared with him, and it was undoubtedly his favorite.

The moment the sandwich touched his lips, he was in heaven. Nero let her feed him a single bite, then watched as she raised her eyebrows.

"You like it?"

"I love it." Just like he loved her , his mind finished.

His mate giggled. "While I'd never want to be too cheesy, it appears I've buttered you up, Nero."

Gently dabbing at the corner of his mouth with her thumb, those glass-green eyes fixated on his mouth. Slowly, her eyes became hooded.

She tilted forward, angling her head so that when her lips touched him, they rested on the corner of his mouth, in the same spot as she'd only recently touched. He remained still, letting her lead, as she pressed kiss after kiss on his jawline.

A shudder, barely restrained, started in Nero's core. He'd never experienced such tenderness. He couldn't resist linking his arms around her tiny waist. Gentle, sweet, and delicate, the fleeting kiss was one he'd never forget.

Eden retreated and took the stool next to him.

"Eat, Coffee Shop. Wouldn't want dinner to get cold."

"My compliments to your grandfather. It totally makes sense it was your childhood favorite, this is definitely the most delicious grilled cheese I've ever had."

"My dad always makes them so much better than I can. Never figured out how, though, even though he explained it to me a million times." Gaze growing fuzzy with fondness, she smiled softly.

"He seems like a good man," Nero commented, swallowing another bite. "When was the last time you saw him?"

Her expression tightened. "It's been ages, honestly. I've either been too busy or didn't have enough money to buy the tickets."

"Why don't we visit him now?"

"Oh my word! Why didn't I think of that?! And I asked for Paris first!"

"It's okay, professor, you have your own personal Raeth taxi service now. There's no limit to what your dutiful mate can provide. I can take you anywhere you want to go, as many times as you want to visit." He popped the last bite into his mouth. "The world is too big to stay in one place, Eden. Sometimes, the beautiful things can't be discovered without getting lost."