Page 27 of Falling for Ash
She knew full well she’d done nothing even remotely sinful, but still, it was fun to pretend. At least, she was not alone in her desires. Ash had wanted her too. It was sort of noble the way he’d stopped before things got out of control. She appreciated that and was frustrated by it at the same time.
The coverlet on top of her was the same inky dark shade as the sheets. The lightweight blanket was perfect considering how warm the air was in Purgatory. She still could not believe it, but Ash had told her all about the place where he dwelled.
The Underworld was real. As were Shifters, Witches, Demons, Angels, and a myriad of other creatures. Imps too, of course.
His home was gorgeous, even though he’d called it small. Obviously, the Demon had never rented an apartment on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. This place was positively enormous by comparison.
Besides the enormous, comfortable bed, and luxurious coverings was the best bonus of all. That came in the shape of a snuggly, muscled pillow beneath her head. Gabriella could have stayed there forever. She’d felt so safe and cherished with him.
Foolish?
Maybe.
But she did not think so. She even fell asleep in Ash’s embrace. Not the least bit uncomfortable with him, which was shocking considering she’d known him all of a minute.
He was surprisingly warm to the touch. As she stirred, his arms came around her gently and he rubbed her back and nuzzled the top of her head.
So nice and cozy!
She smiled against his pale, smooth skin.
Gabriella felt chilled most of the time, always had. But being near Ash, snuggling up to him in his enormous bed, was the warmest she’d ever felt. Even if the Demon in question spent the night on the bed, on top of the blanket instead of beneath it with her. She’d refused to take his bed entirely.
“Morning,” he murmured, and she sighed.
“Good morning.”
His heart beat steadily beneath her ear and Gabriella was ridiculously happy just lying there with him, listening to the strong thump-thump thump-thump rhythm. Her mind raced with everything that happened the previous night.
Girl meets Mim for dinner. Mim spills crazy beans about Wolf inside of the girl. Mim introduces more supernatural surprises. Girl meets Goddess and Vampire. Goddess and Vampire set girl up with speed dating thingy in Underworld bar. Girl gets drunk. Girl meets Demon. Girl jumps Demon and steals bed.
This was it. The moment she’d been aiming for since high school. Gabby was a total slut. Or a slut wannabe. She didn’t actually do much that would earn her that title. And all because her cutie patootie, Ash, did not want to take advantage of her.
Ever since she’d been voted Miss Goody Two Shoes of her graduating class in high school, Gabriella had attempted to shed her image. But it never worked out for her. Last night had crossed several firsts off her list.
She’d gotten drunk, made out with a virtual stranger, but stopped short of sleeping with him. Leave it to Gabby to find the one honorable Demon in the Underworld!
The irony was not lost on her.
What did a gal have to do to get a little lovin’, anyway?
Her body swelled and ached, and she felt him tense beneath her. Gabby breathed in a great, deep breath, loving the masculine scent wafting off him. Like sandalwood and something else, something dark and spicy that made her belly heat and her panties damp.
Mine.
Lick.
Nibble.
The words appeared in her mind, but she knew they were not from her. Not exactly, anyway. She felt her muscles tense and her belly quiver. She felt something pushing, scratching against her skin. Not unpleasant exactly, but strange, foreign.
Oooh.
Something was off.
Not off.
Mine.
