Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 384

LISA

There’s a soft inhale.

Then, his lips move against mine with devastating gentleness. The emptiness inside me cracks, letting in a flood of sensation. His hands slide up my back, cradling me close as he rises to his full height. The towel drops, forgotten, as I press against the solid warmth of his chest.

My fingers curl into his wet shirt. His heart pounds beneath my palm, strong and steady and alive. So alive.

He breaks the kiss with obvious reluctance, pressing his forehead to mine. "Let’s get you dressed."

The bedroom feels too bright and dry after the steam-filled bathroom. Kellan’s hands stay on my shoulders, steadying me as I shiver. He guides me to sit on the bed, then moves to the dresser.

"Arms up."

I comply without thinking. The soft cotton of my shirt slides over my skin. His knuckles brush my ribs, sending sparks of awareness through my body.

"Lift."

Another mindless response as he helps me into underwear, then flannel pants. Each touch leaves trails of heat that make me ache for more. I need his hands on me again. Need to feel connected to something real.

The mattress dips as he settles me under the thick comforter. "Try to rest."

"Wait." My voice comes out scratchy.

He doesn’t, taking a few steps away before unbuttoning his soaked shirt. The wet fabric peels away from his skin, revealing the muscled planes of his chest. Bruises. Cuts. Scars.

Water droplets trail down his abs as he turns to the dresser, distracting me from all the other things.

I watch him pull on dry clothes, my throat tight. The bed feels too empty, too cold. Too much space, practically begging intrusive thoughts to barge in.

"Stay with me?"

His shoulders tense. "That wouldn’t be wise."

"Please." I sit up, reaching toward him. The comforter pools around my waist. "I need you."

My voice cracks on the last word. Kellan turns, his expression torn between desire and restraint as he stares at my outstretched hand.

The mattress shifts as Kellan sits, his weight creating a dip that draws me in like gravity. I don’t fight it. My body moves on instinct, seeking his warmth, his strength. My knees bracket his hips as I settle into his lap.

"Lisa." My name comes out rough, almost pained.

I silence whatever protest he’s about to make with my mouth. No more words. No more thinking. Just this—the slide of my lips against his, demanding a response. His hands settle on my waist, neither pulling me closer nor pushing me away.

The emptiness inside me morphs into hunger. I nip at his bottom lip, drawing a sharp inhale from him. His fingers flex against my sides. The thin cotton of my shirt does nothing to mask the heat of his touch.

"I need this." I break away just enough to speak against his mouth. "Need you."