Page 8 of Kai's Hunger

I responded eagerly, my hands gripping his shoulders for support. The taste of him was intoxicating, a heady fusion of warmth and spice that left me craving more.

“Fuck,” he muttered against my mouth.

My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Eager and needy. His teeth grazed my lower lip, sending jolts of pleasure straight to my core. I gasped, and he took advantage, his tongue plunging back into my mouth with renewed fervor.

Every touch, every caress was electric, my body responding to him in ways I couldn’t control. The ache between my thighs grew more insistent, a throbbing need that demanded attention. I arched against him, seeking relief, and he groaned, the sound low and savage.

“Lily,” he murmured against my lips, his voice rough with desire. When he finally pulled back, we were both panting, our breaths mingling in the small space between us. His dark eyes kept me prisoner. “We need to stop,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction. “Creeg,” he explained.

The aftermath of our kiss left me breathless, my heart pounding as I leaned into Kai. My body still hummed with the intensity of our connection, but a creeping sense of embarrassment began to take hold. What had I been thinking? I’d practically thrown myself at him.

I moved back, my face burning with the realization of what I’d just done. “I ... I’m sorry,” I stammered, unable to meet his gaze. “I don’t know what came over me.”

Kai’s eyes softened, and he reached out to gently tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at him. “Lily, you have nothing to apologize for,” he said, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

I bit my lip as confusion began to clear away the heat rushing through me “I just ... I don’t usually act like this. It’s like I can’t control myself around you.”

He smiled, amusement in his eyes. “Trust me, I know the feeling.” His expression turned serious as he added, “But you don’t have to be embarrassed. Not with me.”

I glanced away, my cheeks still flushed. “Uh, yeah, I don’t know what to say to that.”

Kai’s hand moved to my cheek, his thumb tucking a stray hair behind my ear. “You don’t need to say anything. It’s okay.”

His reassurance calmed me, but the embarrassment still lingered. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I just don’t want you to think I’m ... you know, easy or something.”

Kai’s eyes darkened, and he shook his head. “Never. You’re incredible. And this,” he gestured between us, “is real. Don’t doubt that.”

I nodded, still feeling a bit awkward but comforted by his words. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Let’s just take it slow, all right?”

“Slow, good idea,” I agreed, relieved. Despite my lingering embarrassment, the chemistry between us was undeniable.

The door opened and we both turned to see Creeg walking toward us, carrying a bottle of water. He was every bit as big and muscular as Kai, except taller. And his black hair was down past his shoulders. He was clean-shaven and wore a navy blue V-neck t-shirt and jeans. Not exactly the attire of a doctor.

Creeg handed the bottle to me when he approached. “I could give you something for the pain if you like. Over-the-counter, nothing more.”

I shook my head. “I don’t like pills, but thank you.”

He shrugged and turned his attention to Kai. “Wyatt wants a word.”

I watched the pair exchange a look and I wondered what it meant. “Who is Wyatt?”

Kai scowled as he stood. “He’s my brother. I’ll be right back.” To Creeg, he grumbled, “No one enters.”

Creeg grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah, you mentioned that already.”

Kai glared at his brother, then stomped out. I was alone with the doc now. “So, this is your clinic?”

“More or less,” he answered, as he pulled the desk chair closer and sat. “You were traveling alone?”

“Yes. I live in Walnut Ridge, but I’m moving to ... well, somewherenotWalnut Ridge.”

He narrowed his gaze at me. “Needed a change, huh?”

“Starting over, actually.”

He rubbed his jaw. “You didn’t get far. You’re in Sach Valley.”

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