Page 15 of Unholy Cross

“Those men in the first hotel,” he continued.“Them and Jessica proved you’re being hunted.I don’t think it’s wise for you to head out by yourself.”

His words gave a little comfort.“You’re right.I have no survivor skills.”

“I would disagree with that,” he said.“You got yourself out of Noble Vale.That takes guts.And even though I want to take care of you, Lorelei, I recognize that you can handle anything on your own.”

Was he mocking her?She searched for any sign of derision, but his clear gaze told her he believed what he said.He thought she was tough?It took her five years to grow a backbone and come up with a plan to escape Noble Vale.How could that be deemed as brave?

Cross cupped her face, staring at her intently.Searching for what, she didn’t know.Then, as if a match was lit, the bleak apathy in his eyes was gone in an instant.Replaced with heated fervor as he dragged her body into the curvature of his.One arm banded around her hips, dragging her upward to meet his mouth.He cupped the back of her head as his mouth claimed hers.So hot and potent, like a starving man finding a feast.

At first, Lorelei rested her hands on his shoulders, not knowing where to put them.Shocked that his mouth was on hers, as well as how she responded.He seduced her lips open, plunging his tongue inside, and her body lit up with wonder.Sexual sensation exploded her world, shattering any hesitation to bits.Sliding her hands up until they encircled his neck.She never knew it could be like that.From only a vague concept of a panty-melting kiss to a craving that burned through her.

When he finally lifted his mouth from hers to draw in oxygen, she stared at him in wide-eyed surprise.Sensual tingles caused her to touch her lips in wonderous surprise as her heart thundered so loudly, she was shocked he couldn’t hear it.

“Was I your first kiss?”

She nodded.

“How long were you in that sanatorium?”

Lorelei held up her hand then slowly raised one finger at a time, until all five were up.

“Fuck,” he muttered.“Five years?”

Again, she nodded.

He tenderly brushed a finger over the fading bruise on her cheek.Something undefinable crossed his face.Determination?Bloodlust?

“That’s all behind you now,” he stated firmly.“All the other assholes who took your freedom away.If you want them dead, just ask.I’ll burn this world down for you.”

Truth blazed in his eyes.His words were a vow, more potent than a marriage promise, and it scared her slightly.They’d only been together a handful of hours, didn’t really know each other well, but something told her he always got what he wanted.Did she have a choice to leave or stay?Did shewantto leave?

“Ease your mind,” he said, cupping her face.“I’m not going to fuck you when you’re terrified.Since we’re both exhausted, let’s get a good night’s sleep.Why don’t you shower first?”

Nodding, she stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature to her liking.Stripping, she stepped under the spray, closing her eyes and relaxing under the heat.Suddenly, weariness crashed over her and all she wanted to do was sleep for a thousand years.Washing quickly, she finished her shower and grabbed her shirt to put back on, sans panties since she forgot them.

When she stepped out, Cross gave her a heated look before walking into the bathroom.He didn’t close the door and she couldn’t help but watch as he undressed.His body was beautiful.Shaded tattoos in black and grey ran up and down his sides and across his shoulders.A series of crisscross scars marred his muscled back, dissecting the art.It took her a moment to realize they were whipping marks, and no doubt they had to have been extremely painful.She couldn’t even imagine surviving such a horrible ordeal.Whowasthis man?

Suddenly, he glanced over his shoulder and winked before stepping under the spray.

Embarrassed to be caught ogling, she grabbed the doorknob and closed it, sealing his body from her view.She dug out clean panties from her duffel and put them on before sliding under the covers.Moments later, Cross came out in only a little towel hiding what looked to be a noticeable bulge, and heat flushed through her entire body.He wasnakedunder that towel.This was the first time she was near a man who had no clothes on, and she was sure her cheeks were red.She looked away, but he was like a magnet causing her to sneak peeks at him.Without shame, he dropped the towel and grabbed a pair of black boxer briefs ...showing her everything.His—oh, God, she had a hard time just saying the word in her head—cock ...hung long and thick, slowly rising as it got hard.Why was it doing that now?Weren’t they only supposed to do that when they wanted sex?

Oh, no.Does he want sex with me tonight?

When he caught her, he gave a wicked little smirk.As if he knew all the sinful thoughts going through her mind, and it made her heart thump hard in her chest.Then he pulled on his underwear and headed toward the bed.Lorelei pulled the covers up to her chin, trembling a little.From fear or excitement, she couldn’t tell which.She rolled to her side, hoping he understood she didn’t want to have sex.She wasn’t ready.A moment later he slid in bed beside her, and an arm snaked around her waist to pull her into his muscular chest.

“Shh,” he whispered.“Close your eyes.”

She didn’t know if she could relax enough to fall asleep, so she listened to his own breathing, and when that leveled out, she finally retreated into dreamland.

****

“Lorelei.”

Was that her...mom?

Lorelei spun in a circle, but the dark shadows made it impossible to see.

“Lorelei.”

---