Page 46 of Primal Bonds

Desire fluttered in her belly. Her fingers flexed on her arms. She itched to pull him closer. To run her lips over the golden-brown skin of his throat…taste him.

His nostrils flared. She had the uncomfortable feeling he could scent her reaction to him. But damn, it had been a long time. She didn’t have time for a relationship, and she didn’t do casual, especially with Kyler at such a tricky age.

She uncrossed her arms and gripped the counter behind her. What had he said? “Don’t be scared.” She gave a jerky nod. “Got it.”

They stared at each other, and abruptly, the silent conversation became audible.

Jace’s throat worked, the sound loud in the sudden hush.

Her heart pounded in her ears. She drew a jagged breath.

He stepped closer. Slowly, carefully, he framed her face with his palms. “I want to kiss you.”

She set her hands on his chest. “Not yet.”

“No?” His mouth brushed her cheek.

She shook her head. “I need to know one thing.”

“What?” His warm lips moved to the side of her neck. His body radiated warmth. An answering heat slid through her, a slow, hot river that pooled in her belly.

“Who’s Mary?”

The muscles under her hands went rigid. He pulled back. “How do you know about her?”

“You said her name—twice. When you were hurt.”

“Oh.” He relaxed. “My niece. Her name’s M-E-R-R-Y like in Christmas. There’s no one else, if that’s what you’re asking.” Those warm lips were against her ear now. “Only you. I can’t stop thinking about you. It’s like you’re under my fucking skin.”

“I know—I mean, I can’t stop thinking about you either.” Her eyes drifted shut as his tongue traced the outer edge of her ear. “I’m busy,” she said. “I don’t have time—”

“I know.” His teeth closed on her earlobe, and something dark and delicious flashed down her spine. “And I don’t…you’re a human—and a fae.”

She stiffened, and then shrugged. Because how could she be insulted? She didn’t want to get involved with him either, did she? “Yeah. Me and you…we don’t—”

“Mix.” He sucked at the turn of her shoulder.

She opened and closed her mouth—and stopped thinking.

His mouth moved up her neck, leaving rivulets of pleasure in its wake. Her head fell back. From far away, she heard herself moan.

“You’re so soft,” he said against the vulnerable underside of her throat. He rubbed his cheek against her and the rasp of his stubble was so damn erotic. She slid her hands up to his shoulders.

He stepped closer, his cock hard and powerful against her belly. Her leg bent of its own accord so that she could hitch herself up against him. That was better—now she could feel him right against her sex.

He slid his arms around her and fit his mouth to hers. His lips were warm and dry and tasted of beer and mint. He licked at the seam of her mouth, but when she opened to him, he didn’t move his tongue inside, just lapped at the edges. Tiny tastes interspersed with little bites. Quick bursts of pleasure that had her digging her fingers into his shoulders.

“Jace.”

“Mm?” His tongue moved inside, played with hers.

She sucked on it and he groaned. One hand came to her nape, holding her in place while the other gripped her ass, pulling her tight against him.

The kiss went on and on. The playful sensuality turned urgent. A pulse beat between Evie’s thighs—there, where he was pressed, big and hard, the zipper of his jeans rasping over the seam of her pants.

He raised his head and they both dragged in a breath.

Evie pushed against his chest. “I—we have to stop. Kyler…”

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