Page 130 of Heat & Deceit
“I’ll consider it,” Lycus lies. He still hasn’t come over, but I cast aside my worry as Rome stops a few inches away from me.
“Asshole,” Rome shoots back.
“Love you too.”
Rome ignores him, lifting me at the waist to carry me. My legs instantly wrap around his middle, and I wiggle in his hold, worried he’ll drop me.
“I got you,” he says, carrying me into the kitchen. His hold is steady and sure, not a single sign of struggle. He’s strong, and I relax, trusting his words.
“I can walk.”
“Let him have his moment,” Lycus drawls from behind us. “He’s going to work soon.”
I glance over Rome’s shoulder. Javi and Lycus are following, both grinning like they’ve won the lottery. My chest tightens at the sight of their happiness. I did that.
“Maybe I’ll call in sick,” Rome tells me.
“Randal would be sad.”
He rolls his eyes. “Randal is more than capable.”
“You’re going to work,” Javi says, ever the pragmatic. “There are two interviews.”
“Still no luck finding a manager?” I ask as Rome deposits me on the cold granite countertop.
His hips nestle between my legs and his lips capture mine. He doesn’t kiss me so much as steal a piece of my heart. His tongue dominates mine, and I soften against his chest, sliding my hand to the back of his neck. His deep and growly purr sends a shot of lust to my core.
“She said she didn’t want an audience,” Lycus says with a touch of warning. I have no doubt that, if Rome keeps kissing me, Lycus might take matters into his own hands to make sure Rome sticks to my request.
Rome smiles against my mouth. “I was only kissing her. I have more self-control than to take her against the counter.” His palm runs up my thigh, and I shudder, suddenly second-guessing my request. Rome could pin me against the cool stone and take me from behind, rutting into me while I grip the edge of the counter.
“Later,” he promises, knowing where my head is at. My stomach growls, and he smirks, pulling away to grab the eggs and bacon from the fridge. “You’re lucky I’m still here. These two are hopeless with breakfast.”
“I’m great with breakfast,” Javi counters, grabbing two mugs and filling them with drip coffee.
“Your eggs taste like rubber.”
“Excuse me for not wanting to die.”
“You like my eggs,” Rome tells him with a pointed look. His gaze swings to meet mine. “I promise my eggs won’t kill you. They’re perfectly cooked. Not too runny and not tough enough to taste gross.”
Javi hands me a coffee. “It’s not a mocha, but it’s delicious.”
I accept it with a grin, wrapping both my hands around the warm cup. My gaze slips to Lycus again. He’s hovering nearby but holding himself back. I frown into the mug and take a sip.
“Lycus,” Javi growls. “You’re hurting her feelings.”
“I’m fine,” I lie. My heart is a little sad that he didn’t immediately accost me when Javi and I came out of his room.
“Don’t lie.”
I sigh and set the mug aside. “Fine. Why didn’t you hug me or kiss me?” I ask Lycus, sounding like a complete brat.
“You missed me?” the alpha asks with a cocky grin.
“Yes,” I say without hesitating.
Lycus crosses the room in two seconds, grabbing me off the counter. I wrap myself around him, genuinely impressed with his strength, and kiss him first. He growls into my mouth and carries me into the pantry that’s just off the kitchen.
