Page 41 of Shameless Royalty

I swallow hard but my throat is dry. “You’re makin’ it hard to think.”

Connor’s smirk grows, a flicker of mischief sparking in his green eyes. It’s not his usual smirk—it’s softer, but still dangerous in its own way. The kind of look that makes my chest tighten and my brain short-circuit.

He shifts slightly, and before I can process what’s happening, his knee slides forward, settling between my legs. My breath catches, and I freeze, my hands gripping the edge of the bed like it might save me from whatever this is.

“Is that the only thing I’m makin’ hard, Malachi?” he asks, his voice wrapping around the words like silk.

I gape at him, heat rushing to my face so fast I’m sure I’m glowing. “You’re—you’re such a fuckin’—”

“Careful,” he interrupts, his grin turning wicked as he leans in closer. “Say the wrong thing, and I might think you’re enjoyin’ this.”

“I’m not!” I snap, though my voice wavers, betraying me.

Connor raises a brow, clearly unconvinced. “No?” he murmurs, his knee pressing down just enough to send my pulse into overdrive. “You’re awfully red for someone who’s not affected.”

His hand moves again, and this time it doesn’t stop at my chin. His fingers brush along my jaw, trailing lightly like he’s testing how far he can push. My skin burns under his touch, and I hate how much I lean into it, how much I want it.

“Connor,” I start, but my voice cracks and I immediately hate myself for it.

“Shh,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over my cheek now. “Don’t. Just… don’t.”

I don’t know what he means by that, but I don’t argue. I can’t. All I can do is lie frozen under his gaze, feeling like the ground has been pulled out from under me. The room feels too quiet, like the world outside has disappeared, leaving just the two of us and the steady thrum of my heartbeat in my ears.

Connor’s thumb moves again, tracing along my jawline with a gentleness that feels out of place for him. He looks at me like he’s trying to figure something out, like he’s on the edge of a decision he hasn’t made yet.

My breath feels caught somewhere between my lungs and my throat, like I’m stuck in the moment, unable to break free.

And then he leans in.

My heart slams against my ribs as his face gets closer, his breath warm on my cheek. His lips brush against my ear, the lightest graze, and it’s enough to make every nerve in my body spark to life.

“Do you even realize what you do to me?” he whispers in my ear.

I feel my cheeks burn, and I know I’m blushing harder than I ever have in my life.

“W-what?” I manage to stammer, but before I can say anything else, his lips move again—this time to my neck.

It’s not a kiss at first, more like a press of warmth against my skin. But then his lips part, and I feel the faintest scrape of his teeth as they graze my pulse. I gasp, my body jolting like it’s been shocked, and Connor chuckles against my skin, the sound low and amused.

“Sensitive, are we?” he murmurs, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. His green gaze is sharp and almost playful.

My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. I’m too stunned, too caught up in the weight of what just happened. And then he pulls back, just slightly, his hand dropping to his side. The air feels colder without his touch, and I immediately hate myself for missing it.

“I should go,” he says, his voice lower now, almost reluctant.

I blink, caught off guard. “What?”

He stands, his movements slower than usual, like he’s forcing himself to step away. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Babyface.”

I want to say something, to stop him, but the words stick in my throat. He’s gone before I can figure out what the hell just happened, leaving me alone with the rain and the mess he’s made of my head.

Chapter 23

Connor

Thesecondthedoorclicks shut and the lock turns, my shoulders sag, and my carefully constructed cool cracks right down the middle.

I lean against the wood, my forehead pressed against it, trying to breathe through the mess I’ve just made. My chest is tight, my blood’s still running hot, and I’m harder than I’ve ever fucking been. All because of him.

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