Page 104 of Black Willow Witch
After a lifetime of being disappointed by others, she’d become used to being on her own; to only relying on herself. It was her comfort zone, at this point. If Ripperdidwant more, he wouldn’t stand for that. Already he pushed for more than he was due.
But he gave so much back, didn’t he?
Always supporting her. Always so protective of her. Always trying to take care of her.
He seemed so in tune with her. If her mood changed, he sensed it. If she fidgeted, he noted it. If her body stiffened even slightly, he stilled just the same.
It was strange to have someone so focused on her. Someone for whom she was never an afterthought. Someone who saw and accepted her. She’d come to like it, and she knew it’d hurt like hell to lose it.
Her full bladder nagging her for relief, Emberlyn slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. Nabbing a long white T-shirt from the futon, she drew it over her head and went into the en suite bathroom. She did her business, freshened up, moisturized and brushed her hair.
Exiting the bathroom a short time later, she halted at the sight of Ripper sitting on the edge of her bed in only his boxers. A searing heat crept through her as his eyes roamed over every inch of her body from head to toe. He could make her feel so very hyperaware of not only herself but also him.
‘You practically roll out of bed looking all perfect, don’t you?’ he grumbled.
She blinked. ‘Not really. Though I’d thank you for the compliment all the same if you didn’t sound so put out.’
‘Not put out,’ he said. ‘I just don’t find it fair that you have that advantage over us mere mortals.’
Emberlyn snorted – a sound that died as he stood upright and stretched. Oh, what a show. Muscles rippled and flexed so deliciously. She cleared her throat, walking further into the room. ‘I don’t remember falling asleep.’
‘I went to use the bathroom after you sucked me dry,’ he said bluntly, lowering his arms. ‘When I came back, you were out.’
‘So you tucked me into bed and, what, decided to stay?’
He slammed an unblinking stare on her, an unwavering determination glimmering there. ‘I did.’
So it hadn’t been an accident. He’d chosen to stay. And his tone said she could like it or lump it – he gave no fucks.
That was an Alpha werewolf for you. They were all a law unto themselves.
She folded her arms. ‘I don’t recall inviting you to sleep over.’
‘Must have slipped your mind.’
Her pulse did a little skip as he began stalking toward her, sheer intent in every step.
Looming over her, he sniffed at her face and hair. ‘I like the strawberry smell of your shampoo. Like it better when it’s mingled with my scent.’
He was so damncasual. As if nothing had changed. As if it were only natural that he had moments ago wokenin her bed.
Studying her face, he rested his palms on the sides of her neck. ‘Unwind, baby,’ he coaxed, his pitch low, his voice soft. ‘What’s happening is good. Don’t fight it. Let it be.’
‘You sure you’re not still just caught up in the full moon’s high?’
‘I’m sure.’ He held her gaze with a serious stare, his face a mask of intensity. ‘I don’t know how you made yourself this important to me so fast, but here we are. It’s done.’
He said it with such finality. Such acceptance. He clearly wasn’t one bit torn over this.
Still cupping her neck, he breezed his thumbs along the underside of her jaw. ‘I should have seen it coming, really.’ His eyes drifted over her face, aglow with possession. ‘You’re magick,Vogue, deadly nightshade and pure class all wrapped into one. It’s a hell of a package. And there’s a hint of cotton candy there.’
She felt her brow fly up. ‘Cotton candy?’
‘Sweetness,’ he expanded. ‘You don’t let many people see it. I see it.’
There seemed to be little that the perceptive motherfucker didn’t see.
He nuzzled her face in a gesture of affection that made her chest pang. ‘Don’t fight it,’ he repeated. ‘Let’s ride this out; see what does or doesn’t come of it. Can you agree to do that?’
