When he went quiet again, I got the feeling there was more to the story. But I didn't want to push him into a topic that made him uncomfortable. More than anything, I wanted to bring him comfort and safety.
"Can I hug you?" I asked.
Animus blinked like he'd forgotten where he was. "Oh. Yes, I… I'd like that."
Careful not to tug his long hair, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a gentle embrace. The pain from jealousy all but fizzled out. I felt warm and happy from his presence, especially when I inhaled his perfect scent.
"Leveret," Animus murmured. His lips brushed against my neck as he spoke, making me shiver. "I don't love him anymore. At all."
It made me happy he repeated it just to make sure I was aware.
"I know," I said. "Thanks for telling me."
I felt his mouth curve into a smile. "You're welcome."
I moved my hands along his back in soothing circles. It felt like the right thing to do. Whatever it took to make Animus feel better, I'd do it.
A few moments into the hug, Animus let out a deep sigh. The tension in his back and shoulders dissolved as he relaxed his weight against me.
"I have to admit, this is quite nice," he murmured.
I smiled. "I agree. I think I like hugging you more than anyone else."
He chuckled, burying his face in my neck. The warm heat of his breath sent a pleasant shock through my body. Unfortunately, it made my arousal worse. I hoped he didn't notice.
"Leveret, youhaveto stop saying the sweetest things to me," Animus said. "I don't know how much more I can take."
"Oh. Um... I'm sorry?"
"Never mind." He sounded amused. "Keep saying them for as long as you like."
As he spoke, his clawed hands travelled down my back until they rested by my hips. I swallowed. The light caress of his claws on my skin felt surprisingly good.
"You've told me I smell amazing," Animus remarked, "but have I mentioned that you smell even better?"
My heart thumped faster. "I do?"
"Mhm..."
His nose grazed my neck as he tilted his head. He parted his lips, inhaling my scent in return. Now my heart beat so fast it was a little scary. The arousal pulsating between my legs got worse too. My fingers dug into his back a bit harder.
Animus let out a long, shaky exhale, his breath moving like a living creature across my skin. Sweat trickled down my brow. My cheeks were hotter than ever, and my erection became difficult to ignore.
The last thing I wanted to do was make Animus feel uncomfortable or upset. And above all, I would never lie to him. I had to tell him the truth.
"Animus," I said hoarsely.
"What is it, Leveret?" he asked in a small voice. His lips still touched my throat, shooting jolts of pleasure along my skin with every word.
"I am very aroused right now," I admitted.
Animus pulled back. At first, I was relieved because I thought he'd heeded my warning and removed himself before my arousal got any worse. But he wore a sly expression with a big grin. His hands were locked together on my lower back. He made no effort to remove them.
"Animus," I croaked. "What are you doing?"
He licked his lips, a mischievous expression flitting across his face.
"I promised myself I wouldn't fall for you…" His hands gripped my hips in a deliberate gesture. "But what's the harm in indulging in a little physical activity if we both want each other?"