Page 49 of Touch My Shelves

In theory, that’s exactly what I am and admitting it doesn’t sit well in my stomach. “This isn’t anything more than two people having fun. When he’s finished with his book, he’ll be leaving to go back to his home in California.”

Again, she leans forward, her gaze piercing mine. “That’s just fine until someone starts growing feelings. You aren’t, are you, Pop?”

I shake my head and glare. “No. Of course not. We’re just having fun. That’s why we’re keeping it to ourselves.”

“You’re both consenting adults. I don’t have a problem with you fucking the hottie as long as that’s all that’s going on. If he hurts you, I’ll sew all his zippers closed.”

“I promise that’s all that’s going on. Please stop talking about something that’s never going to happen. Come on, I want you to meet Freeya and I think you’ll find the guys very interesting.”

That evening, I get Naudi settled into a room at the castle and hurry to my room to shower and change before dinner. I wish I’d had a chance to talk to Brax about Naudi staying here, but he was shut in his office when we got home.

I hope he doesn’t think I overstepped by inviting her to stay. I understand how he feels about people knowing who he is, but I trust my friend and hope that my assurance is enough for him.

Less than an hour later, I’m sitting around the crowded dinner table. Naudi has the group captivated with a story about an A-list actor and an alteration gone wrong.

I happen to glance Brax’s direction and I catch him staring at my lips. The heat in his gaze makes me squeeze my thighs together to ease the sudden tightening. I pick up my water glass and take a big swallow, hoping to cool my rapidly heating body.

Freeya is laughing over something Alec said, but my gaze doesn’t move from Brax. It wouldn’t do for the others to notice how we’re practically fucking each other with our eyes.

“Is everyone ready for dessert?” Brax asks during a pause in conversation. Freeya is the first to pipe up with a resounding yes.

“Great. I’ve requested it be served outside by the fire pit. Why don’t you all go on out? Poppy, if you’d stay and help?”

The way his nostrils flare as we wait for everyone to leave has my panties damp. I have no idea what he needs help with, especially with staff to serve and clear, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to help with whatever it is.

When the patio door clicks shut, he stands and takes my hand, leading me to a small closet off the dining room. He shuts the door and gets up in my space. His finger glides down my cheek and slowly slides to my neck. I shiver and my nipples tighten in my bra.

“Wh…what are we doing in here?” I stumble to ask as his hand covers my breast and his fingers squeeze my nipple gently.

“It’s been too long since I’ve had my mouth on you,” is his muttered reply.

My back is pressed against a shelf of table linens. I’m thankful it’s not the crystal or the silver I can see over his shoulder. “Well, are you? Here? Now?”

I run my hand down his chest, past his belt, and come to rest cupping his hardened cock.

The grin on his face slides into a smirk just before he seals his lips over mine. It has been too long since we’ve had a moment alone and I ache for his touch. So many times today I’ve wanted to call him just to hear his voice. This morning when I left for work, I had to settle for a glance instead of a kiss goodbye. But I understand the rules.

His hands run up beneath my shirt and I whimper into his mouth when he jerks my bra down, exposing my breasts to his touch. I rub my hand up and down his length as our mouths devour each other. Our tongues touch, caress, take, as he swallows my whimpers and gasps.

“Fuck,” he says as he tears his lips from mine. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it this far. I just wanted a kiss.”

In my dazed arousal I find it touching he needed a moment alone with me. Then he ruins it. “What the fuck are you doing to me? You’re like a damn red button I’m not supposed to press and all I want to do it hit it all the time.”

My face screws up in confusion. It’s kind of cute, right? “You think I’m a red button?”

“Not literally, but in the literal sense. I found myself mapping out a character in the new season that looks just like you, and she was going to have a hot sexual relationship with the king.”

That causes more deep thought. “So, I’ll be Meeka’s great-great-great-grandmother?”

He takes a moment and shrugs. “Yeah, I guess you would be.”

I grin widely. To be the impetus behind a character is a wow moment. “That’s incredible. But we should probably get out there.”

He drops his forehead to mine with a sigh. “You’re right. But later tonight, I want you in my bed.”

I nod in agreement and he takes my hand as we leave our dirty little closet. Before we step onto the patio, he drops my hand and it doesn’t bother me at all. At least not that I will admit.

“I’ll see you later,” he lowers his voice into a whisper-growl.

---