ARIA'S POV
Damien's mouth crashed down on hers, the kiss possessive and consuming. She kissed him back with everything she had, pouring her relief and gratitude and overwhelming love into it.
He walked her backward until her legs hit the bed, then pushed her down gently.
"I'm going to claim you again," he said, his eyes dark with need. "Going to make sure you remember who you belong to. Who protects you. Who would burn down the world to keep you safe."
"Please," she breathed. "I need you. Need to feel you."
He stripped her methodically, his hands sure and possessive on her body. When she was bare before him, he just looked at her for a long moment.
"Perfect. Mine. No one else gets to see you like this. No one else gets to touch you. Only me."
"Only you," she agreed.
He shed his own clothes quickly, then pulled her to the edge of the bed, positioning himself between her legs.
"Open your mouth," he commanded. "Wide."
