Of course you came for him. As much as Zayne hoped otherwise, part of him knew you’d be this reckless. Now you’re both trapped in an abandoned facility with a vicious storm squalling outside. His Evol is running rampant, spreading on his skin in a thousand icy spikes.

He should want you to stay away. Instead he wants to pull you close. He’s at war with himself over the emotions rioting in his chest; longing, resignation, determination.

“When we were apart these past few days, I was always thinking about you. Whether or not you’ve been eating properly, taking care of yourself, and if you would be upset if we never saw each other again—you occupied my every thought.”

The gentle touch of your hand on his face makes him shiver. His eyes close as he cups your hand against his cheek, indulging in the softness of your skin even as his ice spreads to you. He could never deny you anything; it was pointless to try.

All he wants is to be with you. Share in your life, be the reason for your happiness, and damn the consequences. “If I hadn’t been missing you…perhaps…I wouldn’t have struggled to hold on until you found me.”

His thumb drifts over your lower lip, eyes opening slowly, flitting from yours to your mouth. Enough. I’m not holding back anymore.

“I need you. I have never denied that. It’s just…it’s not the kind of need you think it is.” His breathless voice tapers off against your lips, closing the distance until there’s nowhere for you to go but down. He’s gentle as he guides you to the cot, his body leaning firm and icy over yours…but the kiss is hungry. It’s like fire in his veins, consuming him with years of suppressed emotion he’s carried. His world narrows down to just you; your lips, your warmth, your everything.

The ice retreats from the heat of your lips. He can feel himself literally melting, stepping into your embrace like stepping into a warm bath. He shudders against you, breath hitching, his lips parting against yours.

He’d trade a thousand lifetimes if it meant staying like this with you.