I force myself to take a step backward. “I know Jones already said Monster City values consent, but so do I. Orcus and Reaper feel the same way, too. None of us will touch you without your permission. Just remember that, okay?”
Because I can see the fear brewing in her gaze.
As well as a hint of interest.
She’s intrigued, but she’s also intimidated.
I don’t need to know her to be able to see the innocence written all over her. I doubt she’s ever felt a man’s touch. From what little I’ve seen, I can tell thissociety seems to frown upon sexual experience, preferring to preserve the virginity of theirOfferings.
Such a flawed concept, I think darkly.I want a willing and wanton woman, not a terrified little virgin bride.
But I’ll teach Alina.
Slowly. Purposely.Thoroughly.
And in the end, she’ll be a fucking wildcat in bed.
That rebellious nature of hers will absolutely come in handy, too.
“Enjoy your shower,” I tell her softly. “If you need anything else, I’ll be out in the living area with Orcus and Reaper.” I turn, then pause at the door. “Oh, and they’re bringing up some clothes. I’ll leave some on the bed for you when they arrive.”
I go to leave one more time.
Just to stop again.
“Let me know if you want any help with your hair.” My voice is gravelly again, forcing me to clear my throat. “I’d be happy to brush it for you.”
My jaguar purrs inside at the notion, very pleased by the idea.
He’s easily placated. Fucking, sunning, and grooming are three of his favorite pastimes.
With a nod, I finally leave.
And commit the image of her standing there in her lacy panties to memory.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
REAPER
Sleeping on the floor sucks.
But Orcus captured the couch while Flame offered to guard the room by shifting into his jaguar form near the foyer doors.
Meanwhile, our pet has taken over the giant-ass bed in the other room.
I don’t mind her sleeping there. Hell, I want her there. She deserves the comfort. But the mattress could easily fit five men Orcus’s size, making it overkill to give the petite female the entire bed to herself.
“It’s the gentlemanly thing to do,” Orcus said last night.
What part of me is consideredgentlemanly?I nearly demanded. But I could tell by his tone that he wasn’t going to listen to practicality. The Omega has him by the knot, and he’s no longer thinking clearly.
Stretching my arms over my head, I wince as my back cracks.This is ridiculous. I could have slept in that bed without Alina even noticing me.
Assuming I kept my hands to myself, anyway.
Which… I probably wouldn’t have.
Those smooth curves of hers are pretty fucking delicious. And the way she growled last night…Fuck. I’m getting hard just thinking about it.