Fractured Souls (Perfectly Imperfect, #6)

by Neva Altaj

When you’re discarded by the people who should have been your safe harbor, it’s hard to allow yourself to get close to anyone because, at some point, they will leave, too.

“Listen, mishka,

I turn toward my bedroom, but immediately feel a tug on my T-shirt

“You’re not falling apart, Asya.” I reach out and trace the line of her chin with my thumb. “You’re pulling yourself together.”

“Have you ever met someone who feels like they are a missing piece of you?” I ask. “A piece you didn’t even know you were missing until they stumbled into your life?”

I should feel bad for lying to her, but I don’t. The satisfaction I feel from having her body pressed to mine overwhelms any remorse I might have. I know it’s selfish, but I don’t fucking care.

“Say my name again. I want to know how it tastes on your lips.”

“Asya,” he says again between kisses, moving his lips to my chin and along my neck. “My little Asya.”

“I wish my first time was with you,” I whisper. “It will be.” “Pasha, you know very well—” His hand covers my lips. “Your first time is going to be with me,” he says next to my ear. “All that from before, it doesn’t count. Do you understand?”

Or maybe Kai? Two of the other foster kids ended up in the emergency room when they teased him about his long hair.

nera’s kai?

“You don’t understand,” I say. “I’ve never had anyone, Roman. Until her. I can’t imagine my life without her anymore.”

“The feeling of never being close enough.” His other hand comes to the back of my neck, squeezing lightly. “I have the need to somehow absorb you into my chest, so you’ll always be with me. Safe from harm. Only mine. Forever.” I open my mouth to say something, but he silences me by slamming his lips to mine. “I love you to the point of madness, Asya,” he whispers against my mouth, “and I really need you to be sure. Please.”

“I have only one home.” She lifts her face to look right into my eyes and smiles. “You. You are my home now.”