Page 71 of One Wealthy Wedding

“I’m sure I can handle—” His voice trails off as he reads.

I know exactly what he’s reading. The alien is half in love with the human by now and terrified of hurting her. He’s too big, and he spends pages readying her with his fingers and his tongue before he pushes inside.

At the bottom of the page, he has just the tip inside her, and she’s struggling to take it.

“What do you think?” I ask. I refuse to be embarrassed by this. Reading is my escape. It has been for years.

Theo flips the e-reader closed and gives me a wild-eyed look.

“Well?”

“It’s, um, educational,” he says, tossing it back down on the couch.

“Educational?” I tilt my head. “How?”

He gestures weakly at the couch. “That’s how you do it. If you’re big and your partner is, uh, tight.”

“That’s how you—oh.”

That’s what Theo has to do. He’s big enough that he could hurt someone. I imagine him saying just the tip, baby, in that low, laughing voice. The thought of that pleasure-pain makes something pinch inside me.

“Why did you come find me?” I ask. Now it’s my turn to sound strangled.

“I thought we should, um, practice.”

Theo looks uncomfortable. He never looks uncomfortable.

“Practice?”

“Touching. Things were awkward in the car today, and I thought we should get comfortable with each other. You know, in case we need to do it in public. Can’t have you flinching every time I touch you.”

My body flushes warm. “Makes sense,” I say lightly. I can do this if he can.

“We don’t have to.” He runs a hand through his hair, until it’s deliciously fucked up.

“It’s a good idea,” I say, but I make no move toward him.

“Come sit with me,” he says. He sprawls on the couch, looking like a king. A devilish king.

My stomach lurches. I’m way too attracted to Theo. Something about his large hands and his tanned forearms and his intense green eyes…it just works. And I so badly wish it didn’t.

“Do we really have to?” I lick my lips, and his gaze tracks the movement.

“Scared?” His mouth hitches up. “I dare you, Cat. I don’t bite.”

My heart is thudding under my sweater. He can probably see how nervous I am. I feel fluttery and hot. From how warm the room is. Theo’s taking up all the space.

I scoot closer. “What do you want me to do?”

“Give me your hand.” He holds my gaze as I slip my palm into his. His thumb rubs circles over my skin. His fingers are strong and warm. “Pretend we’re at dinner,” he says. “You’re telling me something funny. I’m looking at you like I love you.” His eyes go soft. I sway forward. He’s too good at acting. Because he does look like he loves me, and oh god, my traitorous heart likes it.

He skims his fingers over my wrist, and my stomach tugs in response. “Relax, Cat,” he murmurs.

“I am relaxed,” I grumble.

“Smile, princess.”

I try for a smile, and he laughs.

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