Page 37 of Maiming
The tension in his body hardens every muscle in him. He’s stressed. He’s been stressed all week. I just want to ease all of this for him.
But I can’t.
“I’m going to practice today, defensive magic, I think. Just to be safe.” My fingers wrap around his forearm and my touch makes his shoulders lower into a more natural position. His features smooth, shining green eyes still hold more worry than I’d like but there’s improvement here.
“Good. That’s a good idea.”
“I’ll practice, go work with Skovence. He seems reasonable about all this.” Unlike Carlin.
He nods, his head lowering toward mine. A thrumming feeling races through me as I inch up to meet the brush of his lips. Warm palms barely skim against my hips from beneath Chaos’ jacket that I stole. It’s not enough, it’s too brief, but the small kiss captures all of my attention until the second he pulls away.
Brylee lingers near her father, but she watches us from among the dispersing crowd. I don’t meet her prying gaze. I refuse to give her the attention she wants.
With quick strides Kain meets Skovence and Carlin in the middle of the road and they begin planning instantly. I watch him even as Sinister motions for me. He’s ready. He’s been ready to release his magic all morning. It helps. It distracts us. And most importantly it’ll keep us safe.
I pretend not to even notice Sinister. Until he looks away toward Chaos and Rime.
With one quick turn, my magic shatters through me and out of my palm. It spins in pure white colors. Colors that Sinister soaks right up the moment it strikes his chest.
He takes the blow with a groan humming through him. His long fingers press over his chest, just over his heart. The wince that creases his eyes makes my stomach drop.
I shouldn’t have sneak attacked. I’m an idiot.
I take a step forward, it’s hesitant at first, but then I’m rushing over to him when he doesn’t immediately retaliate.
Brylee tilts her head at the demon, halting the serious conversation between her father and Kain.
“I’m so sorry.” My hand brushes against the back of his tattooed knuckles.
I shouldn’t have put so much power into it. I got too caught up in it all. I shouldn’t have hurt him like that.
Then his leg collides with my calves. His body follows mine down and in an instant, he’s holding me to the ground. His hands pin my wrists above my head loosely, his eyes shining with amusement.
“Never lower that guard, love.” The rumbling feel of his laughter against my chest makes my heart clash with emotions.
I wish there was a resting place between all this soaring and falling my heart does when I’m around him. It tatters my nerves into frayed pieces, making them hum to life with a painful spark when he’s around.
Hard muscle aligns with my soft curves. Lean hips brush against mine. His tongue slips over his lips as realization settles into his now hooded gaze. All that amusement washes out of his features as a completely different look settles into place.
“Never let your guard down, Sin.”
“What?” The word is breathed out on a rasping tone. Magic tingles through my fingertips and it strikes against every inch of his skin that’s touching mine. “Fuck.” A grimace creases his eyes. I roll him. It’s a push and pull of the upper hand, but I’m currently the one on top.
… on top.
Warm hands clasp my hips. I straddle over his stomach with a triumphant glare. His smirking attention slowly drifts away as his eyes leave mine, looking out at the village of shifters surrounding us.
Silence drops.
And then I suddenly notice the way everyone’s looking at me and my friend and the sexy position he and I are in.
“I feel sorry for the way you’ve settled, Kain.” Brylee’s voice sounds out around the quietness. Everyone looks from me to her. From across the road, Chaos and Rime pin hard glares on the woman the moment she speaks. “I feel sorry for the second-rate relationship you’ve fallen into.”
Outrage reddens my chest and cheeks and I stumble as I stand. More judgmental attention from the community is thrown my way. Rime’s fingers fist hard into his palm but his anger isn’t as fast as Chaos’ unfiltered words.
“Yeah, it’s a relationship built on love and endless orgasms. What a fucking pitiful life he must be leading.” A taunting smile pulls wide against his sexy mouth. Rime’s teeth sink into his lower lip and I can tell it’s hard for him to repress his smile right now.
While Kain looks like he wishes his friend wouldn’t have spoken at all. His gaze shifts to Carlin.
