Page 92 of Heat & Deceit
Javier glares at him. “Stop fucking around.”
“I’m just getting started,” Lycus says with a heavy sigh. “Sorry, Rain. Javier’s always been afraid of a pretty woman.”
“Lycus,” he growls, and that primal sound awakens something ravenous inside of me.
Fuck. This was a horrible idea.
Rome breaks away from the two of them and steps toward me. I plant my feet to keep from fleeing.
“Do you want to see the studio while these two fight?”
Glancing around him, I take in the way Javier and Lycus are glaring at each other. The scents surrounding me are so strong, so filled with desire and frustration, I’m drowning. I may be mad at Rome, but I’m smart enough to take the escape he’s offering.
“God, yes, please.” My words come out breathy and embarrassingly fast.
A soft purr curls around me, but Rome shakes his head and clears his throat, stopping the sound and leaving me with a faint sense of loss. “Follow me.”
Twenty-Six
NOVA
Rome’s studio is on the main floor, down a hallway that shoots to the left of the kitchen. When we passed that room, I spied a few people preparing a meal that’s more fit for an intimate dinner with close family than for a company party, but maybe these guys like to go all out for staff too.
The lights flicker on, soft and not too bright, and he spins to look at me, backing into the space with arms spread wide. “Well? Better than the community center?”
I glance around. Black veins crawl over the white marble counters sitting atop dark-green painted cabinets. The floor is gleaming, dark wood. A panoramic window spreads across the back wall, giving a full view of a private garden and a trickling stream that cuts across the property. There’s a stone seating area and a fire pit. The view is breathtaking, and I find myself positioned in front of the window, fingers pressing into the cool glass as I take in their vast expanse of property.
“The window is the best part.” Rome comes to stand beside me, his arm brushing over mine. “Especially on the nights when twilight settles in that perfect shade of blue. The sunrises are pretty amazing too.”
“This definitely beats the community center.” I take a step away from him, struggling to breathe.
“Are you...okay? You’re always so nervous.” He searches my face. “And the other day at the shop, you jumped...”
“I’m fine,” I say firmly and take in the garden to avoid his probing gaze. If he wouldn’t stand so close, I might be able to breathe. Who knew asphyxiation by alpha pheromones would be my demise?
“Are you still pissed at me?”
“A little,” I say with a nod.
“Is Lycus bothering you?” There’s an undercurrent of protectiveness in his tone.
Lycus is only bothering me because I’m coming to realize I like these alphas.
“No,” I admit, side-eyeing Rome. “He’s fine.”
Rome crosses his arms over his broad chest and turns to lean against the window. “Really? You’re fine with the less-than-subtle flirting?”
I shrug. “I can handle him. I’ve experienced worse.”
Gaze darkening, Rome clenches his jaw and looks away. “Still. If he bothers you, tell him to stop. He doesn’t know when to quit.”
“So I’ve noticed,” I say with a small grin. “I’ve seen him get ditched on a date twice now.”
Rome sighs. “An all-too-common occurrence.”
“Why don’t you go on the first dates?”
Rome’s eyes cut toward me. “Why? You think I’m easier?”
