VIKTOR'S POV

I pinned Ariel to a tree in the middle of the woods where the rain had trapped us, my lips worshipping every inch of skin they could reach.

Her hands flew to my wet hair for support, fingers tangled like she was afraid I’d disappear.

Watching her writhe in pain just moments ago had broken something in me. All the promises I made about staying away from her in this way had gone up in flames.

Right now, all I wanted was to swallow her pain. Take every ounce of it into me. Let her breathe free while I burned instead.

I was used to pain. Nothing hurt...