Page 30 of Stolen By The Beast
I giggled, loving that this terrifying monster, the bringer of death, was adorably innocent when it came to kisses.
“A kiss, silly goose!”
Karvik’s arms fell from my waist. His clawed fingers pushed the shirt off my shoulder and he began inspecting the marks left by the bear’s long teeth.
“Um, what are you doing?” It was my turn to be confused.
“I am checking you for signs of infection or a fever. You know I am not a goose, so I am concerned you may be ill.”
Laughing, I batted his probing hand away. “I’m fine. It’s a figure of speech. Like, see you later, alligator.”
Karvik’s pearly white teeth ground against each other as he thought over my words. “Humans are… strange.”
“Probably,” I agreed, grinning up at him. “But I can’t remember what it was like living with them, so I can’t be sure. Maybe I’m a faulty human?”
“You aren’t like other humans. If you were, I’d have eaten you by now.” Karvik’s skeletal features didn’t allow for much expression, but I swore he was smiling.
And I liked the way my insides fluttered at his teasing. I might not remember my last name, but I knew I was falling for this beast.
“What is the purpose of kissing?” Karvik was like a dog with a bone when he wanted information… or maybe I should say a monster with a boner?
I tapped my chin, looking for the words to explain it. “It’s a sign of affection. That you like someone, or that youlikelikethem.”
Karvik shook his head. “You are making no sense, little one.”
“Let me show you. Sit on the ground so I can reach you.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing as the monster towering above me obeyed my order and sat.
Kneeling between his legs, I again caught his face between my hands. I slid my palms along his skull, enjoying the cool bone against my skin.
Leaning forward, I pressed a kiss to the same spot I’d kissed a few minutes before. “Humans enjoy touch. Kissing is intimate when shared with… a potential mate.”
Karvik’s glowing eyes bore into mine, but he remained silent.
A new thought occurred to me. “Can you feel my touch with your skull? Maybe it’s different without skin.”
“My skull is not the same as your human skulls. Much like a tortoise can feel touch on their shells, I can feel touch.”
I didn’t know much about tortoises, but I would take his word for it. Unable to resist with Karvik’s face so close to mine, I leaned forward to kiss him again.
When he didn’t protest or pull away, I kissed his cheekbone. Karvik’s arm wrapped around my waist, drawing me closer.
I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to explore his features. Taking my time, I trailed kisses all over his face.
Karvik’s breathing grew harsh. Was he enjoying the experience as much as I was?
Scooting closer until our bodies were pressed together, I pressed my lips to his mouth. His sharp canine fangs pressed against my skin, and I tried not to think about how easily he could rip me to shreds if he lost control.
It was nice, but I longed to feel the heat you’d find when kissing a living being.
Pressing my luck, I brushed my fingers against his jaw. “Open your mouth.”
Karvik’s jaw opened wide enough to eat my head.
“Ah! That’s not what I meant!” I yelped, pressing my right hand against my heart. “Just a little bit.”
Karvik obediently closed his mouth, then cautiously opened it a fraction of an inch.
As I neared his mouth, I hesitated. How would he react if I kissed him there?
