Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Katie froze as Damien's heartfelt whisper registered in her brain. He squeezed his eyes shut and tugged lightly at the cuffs. "Not exactly how I planned to say it. Let me go, cherie so I can hold you."

She scrambled up the bed, grabbed the key off her nightstand and hurried to unlock his wrists. When she leaned over he lifted his head and nipped her left breast through the leather bustier. She fumbled the key and groaned at the pleasure. As soon as he let up, she finished freeing him and almost instantly found herself flat on her back on the bed, gazing up into Damien's incredible gray eyes.

"I love you, Damien." She was so choked up the words came out as a hoarse whisper.

"I love you, Katie. More than I'd ever dreamed I could love anyone. I know this is sudden, but it's real. I know that with every fiber of my being."

"It's real." There wasn't the faintest shadow of a doubt in her mind. He was her other half, her perfect mate. Stone and Earth.