Page 19 of Sins of the Stone

“Yes, great,” she said unconvincingly, giving a wry smile. Her heart was about to burst in her chest, and her eyes glossed over his muscular body, his leather-smooth skin, and his piercing, mischievous eyes.

I am so going to hell.

“You don’t seem okay, my treasure,” he challenged and stepped down from the porch, making her head bead with sweat. If he came any closer, she would melt. The nickname was only fueling her degenerate thoughts.

“Please don’t call me that,” she said, lacking confidence. His face twisted, not with hurt, but with curiosity.

“Why not? Do you not like it?” He took a step closer, now a breath away. Her eyes looked up at him, his form towering over her in a display of pure power. She swallowed hard, hoping to hide her desire. She could feel between her legs growing damp, her body quivering, eyes shining, imagining his strong hands caressing her body.

“Ursulette?”

“I, uh, I do, but I don’t and—” He took a deep, drawing sigh like he could smell her emotions, making her hands tremble. “Oh my, you’re making me nervous.” Ramuz took another breath and broke into a grin.

“Whatever it is, it makes you smellveryintriguing,” he said, reaching out to touch her face. Before he could connect with her, she brushed his hand away and stood.

“You’re strange, Ramuz. You make me feel strange.” She turned away from him, crossing her arms and hoping losing sight of him would stop her racing heart. Much to her horror or her glee, he placed his hands on her shoulders, peering around her body, his face brushing against hers.

“Good strange or bad strange?” he inquired, the same smarmy grin on his face. Every drop of blood instantly rushed to her face.

Yes, he knowsexactlywhat he’s doing,she thought.

And I’m going to hell for it.

Chapter 15

Ursulette

It had been some time since Ursulette had arrived, and she noticed something that pricked at her nose. She knew exactly what it was—the sour stench of not having bathed in a while. Ramuz had given her a damp cloth when she asked for one. But she could only go for so long using that method before it was ineffective. Besides, when meeting back up with whoever was left, she wanted to look—and smell—her best.

Back at home, she could wash as frequently as she wanted, but this house didn’t have a tub or a source of water nearby. She wondered if Ramuz picked up on her bitter aura and hoped his heightened senses weren’t reeling. Of course, he was too kind to speak up.

He was always so sweet. His touch was always lingering, his breath always heavy, his eyes always remaining on her for far too long. She knew exactly what he wanted, but she didn’t want to admit it, let alone confess that she may be interested, too.

She shoved her thoughts down once more, nibbling her lip, hoping the slight pain would draw out the toxins invading her brain. Her immorality would be the death of her. Wandering into the living room, she saw him with his back to her.

“Ramuz,” Ursulette called, causing him to turn around.

“Yes?” he replied. She wrung her hands together, unsure how to convey her need or if he would even understand. Her silence earned her a concerned tone and the pinching of the space above his eyes. “Are you alright?”

“I am,” she said with a slight smile, trying to avoid looking at him straight on to quell her sinful thoughts. “But I need a bath.” Once more, his ridged brow knit together, taking a step forward.

“Bath?”

“Yes, I need to be cleansed.”

“You are cursed?” he asked with a hint of concern. She giggled.

“No, silly. I’m dirty,” she said. His brow ridge raised as if still perplexed. She continued—this time in more vulgar terms.

“I stink. I need to wash.” She would’ve lifted her arms to demonstrate how she would scrub, but she feared what that would unleash upon their little home. To her surprise, he took a few steps forward, his face leaning in close.

“You do notstinkto me,” he retorted, taking another deep breath. “In fact, you smell quite pleasant, and my senses are heightened above yours.” He pulled away, giving her a slight, wry smile. Ursulette smirked.

Such a charmer.

She wondered where he learned to be so sly or if it came naturally. Or maybe she invoked that attitude. She felt quite special to be the one to have done that to him.

“You may think so,” she countered. “But I don’t. So I would like to bathe.” A puff of air came from his nose.

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