Page 34 of Jude

“I won’t get bored with you.”

Jeez, he was hard to shake off. Octavia appreciated his kindness and wished it was something more, but she didn’t want Jude because he felt sorry for her. She wanted him to desire her, take her body and soul and consume her. This pity affection would get stale, and he’d resent her. He’d grow to hate her and lust after women who weren’t wearing their history in jagged lines on their flesh.

“I’ll help with this Dinnorm language, get that figured out with you, but that’s it.” She tried to turn away from him.

“No!” Jude tightened his grip on her arm and forced her to look at him. “That’s not going to happen.”

“That’s what I want.”

“I don’t believe that.”

Why wouldn’t he get the hint? This was a way out for him. They could remain friends and forget crossing the line. Jude could forget their kiss. It can’t have meant anything to him. When he’d had time to think about it, he’d know this made sense.

“You have to.” Octavia tilted her face so her scars were fully on display. It made her feel sick doing it, but Jude needed a slap of reality.

“You will not shake me loose.” Jude brushed a thumb along her jaw. “Don’t shut me out.”

“I’m a voice on a radio. Real life will be a lot different. You’ll see these wounds every day. Wake up next to these a few times and you’ll see the real me. It won’t all be cozy chats and sharing secrets.”

“It will be, but it will be so much more. Real life will be more exciting.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “I want you, Octavia.”

Her throat tightened. How could she know Jude was telling the truth? He was a good guy, a decent person. What if he was doing this because he felt pity for her? It would destroy her.

Octavia stepped away and shook her head. “This is a bad idea.”

Jude closed the gap. He wrapped an arm around her waist. “It’s the best idea I’ve ever had.”

“I’m not who you think I am.” She wanted to say more, let him know how messed up and broken she was. How she saw fire and blood and death when she tried to sleep. Tell him about the nights she’d woken herself screaming. The words wouldn’t come as she stared into his green eyes. Whenever she looked at Jude, she felt at peace.

“You are exactly who I know you to be. You’re passionate and loyal and dedicated. Now that we’ve met, I also know you’re stunning. Maybe more stubborn than I first thought, but I can live with that.” He pressed another kiss to her lips, this one lingering, giving her a taste of his sweetness again.

“Jude, I don’t want what we have spoiled.” Holy dragons, his kiss was addictive. Every touch of his lips against hers made her want more.

“I know you, and I love what I know. This won’t go wrong. It will only get better.” Jude’s next kiss turned hot as his tongue slid into her mouth, his arms crushing her against him.

Octavia couldn’t resist. Hell, she didn’t want to. She let go.