Chapter 18
Something in his stance eased, but the intensity didn’t fade. His hand traced down my cheek, slow, deliberate, until his thumb grazed my bottom lip. His gaze flicked to my mouth, lingering, his touch featherlight.
His voice was rough when he spoke again. “Tush me away again.”
My hands were already on his chest. But instead of pushing, they just rested there.
I should move. I should. But I didn’t.
He took a slow step closer, closing the last of the space between us, His body was warm, solid, intoxicating, I felt him breathe out, like he’d just gotten the confirmation he was waiting for. Then he leaned in, slow, unhurried, giving me time to stop him.
I didn’t
His lips brushed mine, soft at first, a question. Then, when I didn’t pull away, he took more. I inhaled sharply, and that was clearly all he needed. He closed the distance, claiming my mouth, swallowing whatever weak protest I might’ve had.
Deepened it.
Took my mouth like he owned it.
And God help me, I let him. His hand slid beneath my top, fingers grazing over my stomach before drifting higher. His touch was warm, deliberate, sending a slow burn through my skin. But then I flinched.
It was barely noticeable, just a brief tensing of my muscles as his fingers brushed over the scar on my ribs, the one hidden beneath my raven tattoo.
He paused, just for a second. Then, without a word, he continued, fingers playing over my waist, his touch gentler now, like he’d felt the hesitation, but wasn’t going to pry.
1 relaxed. Let him touch me. Let myself want this, because I
I really shamelessly did.
His mouth left mine, trailing slow, open–mouthed kisses along my jaw before reaching my ear. His hand explored with the same purpose as his lips, sliding up my back, along my side, taking his time.
Then his voice, low and rough, sent a shiver straight through me.
“Did you forget what I told you?”
I barely had the breath to ask, “What?”
His teeth grazed my earlobe before he murmured, “You’re mine, flower.”
My stomach clenched.
His free hand pressed against my lower
back, pulling me tighter against him while the other one cupped my breast, like he was trying to prove a point Trying to make me understand that he owned me. “And that gors for all of you,” he said, his thumb flicking over my nipple, making me shudder.
I stilled, realization flickering through me.
Xander. He was talking about Xander. About the tattoo shop.
“I wanted a tattoo, I struggled to get the words out. His grip on me tightened, bis mouth brushing along my jaw again. I don’t give a damn. No one gets to look at you like that except me.”
Heat coiled low in my stomach.
Wou’re lucky I didn’t break his nose the second I walked in there.”
I huffed out a quiet laugh, despite myself. “Right. Because that would’ve been the mature response.”
“I don’t do mature when it comes to you,” he muttered against my skin, kissing me again, harder this time. You’re mine Layla…mine.”
I should’ve been annoyed. I should’ve shoved him away, called him a possessive asshole, but instead, I found myself letting the words wrap around me. And for whatever reason, I found myself wanting to reassure him. Why? I wasn’t sure. Maybe because I liked this, liked him, more than I wanted to admit.
12
Chapter 18
–
“I’m not exactly his type.”
His lips stilled against my neck. Then, slowly, he pulled back just enough to meet my gaze, his expression unreadable. I let my hands roam now too, dragging my nails lightly over his chest, down his stomach, feeling the muscles tense beneath my touch. Then I trailed them over his waistband. He was hard, his cock pressing against my thigh. “You know,” I said, tone teasing, then I let my hand settle on the clear outline of his erection. I was a fiend in that moment, all I was thinking about was getting him in me.” Let’s just say I’d interest him a lot more if I had this.”
His eyes darkened. Even through the fabric the length of him was impossible to ignore. I tried to undo the top button of his pants but he wouldn’t let me. could tell he saw my disappointment, and it anused him. I waited for the shock of what I’d said to register, but it never did.
That doesn’t change a thing, flower. Even if he was a devoted eunuch, he still wouldn’t be allowed to look at, let alone touch you like that.
I swallowed, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. He leaned in his mouth ghosting over mine. I felt his hand working on the zipper of my jeans, slowly dragging it down. * You still seem a little tense… His lips barely touched mine as he spoke. “Why don’t I help you out with that? *
