Page 20 of Lust & Lollipops

“Mental magic is prohibited here, but Julian and Ev are the only telepaths. I can’t see either of them risking their position to try to figure out my plan or read your mind. Ev will be high on the priority list to remove because of his magic, just in case. Julian will be gone before he can do any damage.”

It was my turn to nod. “How physical should I be when I’m trying to make it seem like I’m into them?”

His arms tightened around me, just slightly. If I hadn’t been so aware of his body, I probably wouldn’t have noticed it. “Not physical at all. Just spend extra time with them.”

“That might work in the beginning, but I can’t imagine it will in the long run,” I countered. “And the shelter is tiny. Plus, we don’t have any blankets. I’m going to have to sleep next to someone.”

“You sleep next to me.” His voice was edged with something I hadn’t heard before.

Something gravelly.

I had no idea what the sound was, or what to do about it. It wasn’t like I spent much time in close proximity to men. Definitely not enough to tell what he was thinking.

“Sleeping next to you would ruin your whole plan, Cam. I’m supposed to hate you.”

His grip tightened, but he didn’t disagree.

“I’ll sleep next to Julian tonight, since he’s your first target,” I said. “It’s freezing outside, so I’ll have to snuggle up with someone. I can go with Rhett if you’d rather, but?—”

“I don’t want you snuggled up with anyone.” His words came out a definite, clear growl.

It made me shiver a little. I wasn’t sure whether that was from nerves or because the sound was kind of sexy.

“It’s not avoidable.”

His head snapped to the side. “Someone’s coming.”

I landed on my ass a heartbeat later, and hot flames licked my skin for a moment. The touch was so light, it didn’t burn me, though it did warm me.

“I’ll have to sleep in the forest,” he said, his voice low as he stood up and tucked his hands in his pockets. “I’d lose my fucking mind watching you cuddle up with any of these bastards.”

“You’ll have to figure it out,” I warned.

“Come on, Lollipop,” Cam protested, raising his voice. The sudden change in his mood and tone were enough to tell me he was putting on a show for whoever was coming. “Give me a chance to explain.”

“I don’t want to hear a word from you,” I shot back. “I came out here for a few minutes of privacy. Just leave me alone, Asshole.”

He winked at me, lifting his hands up by his head as if in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’m walking away.”

“Finally.”

He strode off the beach in the other direction.

I huffed like I was angry and turned back toward the ocean, remaining where I was for a few more minutes. My mind replayed my conversation and hug with Cameron.

I wasn’t sure what to think or how to feel about all of it. Honestly, I was shocked that he was even interested in mating with me. I really hadn’t thought he liked me.

When I started shivering a couple minutes later, I decided it was time to head back to the shelter for some awkward snuggling.

four

MOLLY

Cam didn’t make a reappearance that night.

Not when I whisper-asked Julian if I could sleep next to him to stay warm.

Not when Kyle, the obnoxious dragon asshole from earlier claimed my other side and scooted too close to me.

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