Page 126 of Monsters Wear Crowns
After wandering through the shops, where he bought me thingsI didn’t even know I wanted,we found ourselves in a quiet, dimly lit restaurant with rich mahogany interiors and flickeringcandlelight. The bottle of wine between us was untouched for a while, more of a backdrop to the conversation than the center of it. I guessed that the delicious red blend cost more than some people’s rent. The candlelight flickered over Rafe’s sharp features, making the gold in his blue eyes even more pronounced. He was usually clean-shaven, but I could see the subtle stubble coming through on his face.
“You’ve been smiling all day,” he noted, leaning back in his chair. “It suits you.”
I let out a soft laugh. “You act like Idon’tsmile.”
He tilted his head, considering me. “You do. But not like this.”
I bit my lip, twirling my wine glass between my fingers. “I guess I’ve just been happy today.”
His expression softened, the edges of his usual arrogance easing just a little. “Is that so?”
I nodded. “It’s nice, you know? Spending time with you when no one’s trying to kill us.”
Rafe chuckled. “A rare luxury.”
“And you’re not so bad when you’re just…Rafe,and not the criminal kingpin making power moves.”
His brow arched. “I can’t decide if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
I smirked. “It’s both.”
He reached across the table, brushing his fingers over mine. “I really like seeing you like this.”
I exhaled, my heart twisting at the sincerity in his voice.Damn him.He always knew how to undo me in the simplest ways. “You’re getting soft on me,” I teased, trying to lighten the moment.
His lips curled. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Oh, I won’t.” I leaned in, voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “But I’ll enjoy it while I can.”
The way his eyes darkened sent a thrill straight through me. And I suddenlyknewwe weren’t making it through the nightwithout crossing that line. He might’ve been playing the part of an angel, but later… he’d fuck me like a demon.
Because Rafe didn’t just want me. Heconsumedme. And I loved it,cravedit. That was part of what made us dangerous together. He loved to take, and I loved to be taken. Shameless. Filthy. Addictive. A beautiful kind of devastation.
And goddamn, he was the best I’d ever had.
By the time we reached the theatre, I could hardly contain myself. My body was buzzing from a day ofprincess treatment. The dim glow of the screen cast flickering shadows across Rafe’s sharp features, his expression unreadable as he lounged back in the plush leather seat. The private theatre was nearly empty, just a few other patrons scattered in the darkness, and we had chosen seats in the back–away from prying eyes.
Or at least, that’s what I told myself.
The truth was, Ilikedthe idea of getting away with something reckless. It was hard for me to focus on the movie. I was too aware of him, of how his arm rested on the seat behind me and thewarmthradiating off him. I shifted in my seat, sliding my hand onto his thigh, tracing small, idle circles.
He didn’t react at first. Then, his fingers curled, gripping the armrest tighter. “Adela…” he murmured, his voice low. A warning.
I ignored it. Instead, I leaned in, lips grazing his ear. “You’re too composed. It’s ruining the fun.” My nails traced the inseam of his pants, barely brushing over him. A test.
His fingers twitched against the armrest. “Are you bored?”
I tilted my head innocently. “A little.”
His breath left him in a slow exhale, as if he was holding onto the last of his patience.
I leaned closer, lips at his ear. “Do something about it.”
For a beat, he didn’t move. His breath left him in a slow exhale. “You’re playing a dangerous game, little doe.”
I smirked, my fingers moving higher. Then, his large, warmhand gripped my thigh under my dress, fingers digging in just enough to send a thrill through me. I barely had time to stifle my gasp before his hand slid higher. The theatre was dark, and the other patrons were oblivious.
He leaned down, his breath hot against my skin. “You started this.Are you sure you’re ready to finish it?”
