Page 78 of Renascence
I wrap my arms around his neck, eyes wandering his handsome face. I need this. Him. With nothing between us.
“We’ll go together.”
“Yeah?” His brows shoot up in hope.
“Yes. I want to feel you, too.”
His fingers tangle in my hair, lips crashing into mine. His kisses have always been passionate, but there’s something different about this one. I can’t pinpoint the reason; it’s sweeter, yet still bold and all-consuming. I didn’t think it could be better, but it is.
So, so much better.
“Get dressed, darlin’,” he mumbles against my lips. “My dick wants to go skinny-dipping.”
Sexual trance broken, I laugh, head thrown back. With a smack on my ass, he rises, setting me on my feet. I retrieve my clothes from the floor, hurrying back to the bedroom. I dig through the mass of clothes and underwear he bought me, picking something to wear. After my shower, I find him dressed and waiting for me.
“Was I in there that long?”
“Women.” He shakes his head, letting out a good-natured scoff.
With a roll of my eyes, I reach into my bag for the lotion. “Men.”
He watches me as I dress but doesn’t say anything. No impatient words or gestures… nothing.
“I’m ready,” I tell him, grabbing my purse.
“Okay, darlin’.”
Again, no comments about how long I took to get ready. This is a new experience for me. James was—no.Get thee behind me, Satan.Not today.
On the drive to the clinic, I receive a text from Raven.
Raven: Lunch at 1?
“Raven wants to have lunch at one. You think we’ll be done by then?”
He takes a deep breath, looking out the window before he answers. “Probably.”
Emily: I’d love to. Where?
Raven: My place. Venom knows where.
Emily: Ok. See you then!
“Can you drop me off at her house after, please?”
“No prob.”
His manner doesn’t match his words. I sense hesitation and I know why. He doesn’t want me getting close to his family. I rub at my chest, trying to ease the sudden pain in my heart.
“Never mind. I’ll tell her I can’t make it.” I lower my head, staring at my hands.
“Why?”
“I just don’t feel like it.”
“Emily, don’t lie to me,” he says in his “I’m the boss” tone.
“It’s not a part of the deal. I already overstepped last night.” I keep my eyes down.
