Page 85 of Wild Card

The tears stop and I snuggle into him, running my fingertips across his scars. He goes to move and I snap my hand back.

“Sorry, I should have asked if I could…”

His head jerks. “You never have to ask to touch me, but I know these freak you out. I was getting my shirt.”

“Don’t cover them up.” My fingers trail back over his skin.

He remains uncertain, his jaw locked tight with each skim of my touch. I realize he’s gauging my reaction. I lean in, kissing each one gently. “I hate this happened, but they are a part of you.”

“Willow.” My name is almost guttural, his hand lacing in my hair.

“And they represent beauty. They aren’t chasing me away because I’m done running.”

In a flash, we are off the bed and I’m over his shoulder. “We are leaving this room.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t be responsible for what happens next, and I swore I wouldn’t be a savage beast the first time I fucked you.”

My insides dip, liking his reaction.

“Swore to who?”

“Myself.”

“That was a stupid thing to do. Maybe I want the savage beast. It would be a first for me. Bestiality may be my new kink.”

He growls, banging his door open and stalking down the hall. “You are trying to kill me.”

“Nah, I’m not into necrophilia.”

He stops, sliding me down his firm torso, but curling my legs around his waist. The heat in his eyes intensifies as his eyes roam over my face. I remember my crying jag and realize I’m a mess.

“I need to wash my face.”

“You’re gorgeous. And, babe, I need you to try and reel it in.”

“What did I do?”

“Sweet, sexy, smartassed—all things I like a lot. But more so, we had a rough start to the day, so we’re doing it over. Beginning with me making you breakfast.”

My stomach grumbles and I blow out a breath, conceding. “Fine, but one condition, you let me help.”

“We’ll see.” He drops a kiss to my nose and squeezes my ass.

And he doesn’t let me help.

12

TALON

My hand glidesover her ribcage, feeling the goosebumps in my wake. Her nipples harden, pressing into my chest.

It takes all my control not to rip apart the material between us.

Her thighs tighten around my waist, her hips grinding down every inch of my aching dick.

Vaguely, I hear the hum of a motor and the chime of my phone.

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