Page 9 of The Lion's Reluctant Mate

“Would you like something to drink?”she called from the kitchen.

“A glass of water would be nice.”

He heard her opening and closing cupboards, no doubt taking time to calm herself.Finally, she returned with two glasses of water in her hand.

“Here.”Just as she approached him, she tripped, sending part of the water splashing over him.

“I’m so sorry,” she exclaimed.She stared, obviously embarrassed and apparently unsure of what to do.

Axel chuckled.He took the glasses from her and placed them on the coffee table.

“Show me to the bathroom.”

She nodded and hurried down the hall.He followed.

“Here.I’ll get a clean towel.”He entered the blue-tiled bathroom.His shirt was wet, but it was by no means drenched.Nonetheless, a devious plan began to form in his mind.His beast mewled in satisfaction.He undid the buttons on his shirt and took it off.He didn’t need to turn around to know she had returned.Her gasp filled the space.

“Here,” she murmured.She stuck out the towel at arm’s length.He took a step forward coming into contact with the material.

“You got me wet.You should dry me.”

“What?”She stared at him but didn’t run away.Progress.

He grasped her wrist, gliding her hand across his chest.Her fingers flexed.Her lips parted.He slid the towel across his body.Her gaze became hooded.Her heart pounded.Intense.Wild.It called to him.His cock hardened.Her scent wafted up his nose.Desire spiraled through him.The beast within him purred.More.More.

“That’s it,” he cooed.

Taking her other hand, he pressed her open palm to his pec.She didn’t resist.A low whisper of a moan escaped her lips.He growled in response.She glanced at him.

“This—”

“Is very good,” he praised her.“Continue, Baby Girl.”

Her gaze dropped again, and she focused on his chest.Slowly he released his grip on her.To his delight, she continued to caress him, almost like in a trance.He touched her shoulder, and she froze.

“Don’t stop, Baby Girl.”

“You have so many tattoos.”Her hand fell to her side.

He swore at himself for his impatience.He should have continued to let her explore at her own pace.

“Yes.They paint a picture of who I am.This one”—he pointed to the half-geometric lion below his heart—“is the symbol of my pride.”

“And that one?”

She pointed to the triskelion.

He frowned.He could lie, but what was the point?

“My tendencies in bed.BDSM.”

Her cheeks reddened so fast he thought she was going to faint.

“Oh, wow.I didn’t mean to pry.”

He grabbed her before she could run away and pulled her right against him.Her gasp was music to his ears, but the fact she didn’t try to get away from him was solace to his soul.He gently grasped her chin, forcing her gaze to him.Her pupils were dilated and her lips parted.Axel pushed the urge to kiss her to one side.Not yet.

“Have you ever tried BDSM?”

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