54. Cruel, Beautiful Things

“That’s your real scent,” Valeria whispered, and Koda nodded, confirming her guess. He leaned closer to her, brushing his palm over her cheek. She flinched away, and the motion disgruntled him, although he tried not to show it.

Her skin felt so smooth to his touch. Like the petals of a most delicate flower. He couldn’t get enough of the sensations when he touched her. He hoped that by now, she w