Page 36 of Aftershock
“Take that break,” he murmurs, then pulls back.
I turn around in time to see him tugging the hem of his oversized hoodie low. Covering his erection.
The one I put there.
The pressure between my legs is too much. Another second here and I’ll explode.
Hope quirks a blonde eyebrow, her gaze dancing between Alaric and me.
“I’m taking a break,” I pipe out.
From a nearby table, the nurses—whose name tags I’ve never gotten around to reading—stop their conversation and look at the three of us.
Alaric saves me from explaining or apologizing when he offers them one decisive shake of his head. That’s all it takes for them to return to their lunch.
“Doyouwant to take a break?”
I understand why Hope’s worried. It doesn’t matter that she knows I’m obsessed with Alaric.
Some people aren’t what they seem.
But he’s notsome people.
He’s my angel.
“Yes.” My hands are still shaking as I undo the knots of my apron. “I’ll be back in thirty.”
As I give it to Hope, she leans in. “I’ll cut his balls off if he hurts you.”
My lips tug up. It’s the same threat I issued to her date on their prom night.
“Not if I cut them off first.” My sassy reply settles her, and she nods.
“Out.” Alaric’s hand is on my waist again as if it belongs there. “Now.”
7
LILITH
People move all around us. Doctors, nurses, and patients fill every corridor we cross.
My attention isn’t on any of them. It’s on Alaric. Only him.
On his hand that stays firm on my waist.
On the way his eyes cut to mine every other second.
He makes me feel special. Like he’s staking his claim on me. Parading me, even.
“Careful.” Without slowing, Alaric hauls me close, tucking me to his side when someone almost crashes into me. His gaze is hot as it lands on mine. “I’ve got you.”
“Thanks,” I say, when what I really want to do is climb my protector.
As if listening in on my thoughts, his fingers tighten on my waist.
Ugh, when are we getting there, wherever it is he’s taking me?
A few feet later, as he slows to a stop, I have my answer.
