Raiden (Sons of the Fallen, #6)

by Jaclyn Osborn

I had almost died that day. Raiden was the reason I didn’t. He had spent hours searching the battlefield, knee-deep in blood, guts, and dead bodies. All so he could find me.

He was wearing a hat on backward too, a weakness I wasn’t aware I had until him.

How could someone be so ridiculously hot, adorably innocent, a total badass during fights, and sort of ditsy at the same time? A dangerous combination. That danger being to my damn self-control.

Raiden was like a burst of color on a gray canvas. His bright, sunny personality was wholesome. His smiles were genuine, never contrived. Maybe that’s why I was so drawn to him—and why I couldn’t stay away.

“I just like to focus on the good in life and not dwell on what I can’t change, ya know? I can’t stop the sun from setting, but I can greet the stars and embrace the night as I wait for the warmth again.”

“More,” I whispered against his lips. Always more. Nothing was ever enough. I was forever starving. For food. For intimacy. For this moment right now.

If everything ended tomorrow, the memory of that kiss would always be with me. I suppose some things could last forever.

“What’s wrong with us?” I asked with a short laugh. “It shouldn’t be this hard. If two people like each other, they should be together. The thing is, I’ve never liked anyone the way I like you. And it scares me.” “It scares me too.” Raiden’s arms slid around my waist.

“Tea’s always better when someone else makes it for you,” I said. “I think I heard that somewhere once.” “Possibly.” Another sip. “Or maybe it’s because you put so much love into everything you do, whether it be brewing tea, cooking, or simply making us laugh. You’re the glue that holds our family together, Raiden.”

When he laughed, my worries trickled away. For tonight, I’d push all of that from my mind—the war and the fate of his soul—and live in the moment. With him.

I’d make it my life’s mission to take care of him, to show him the love he deserved.