Page 12 of Wild Card

I push up on my forearms, squinting one eye as I study his face. “You will what?”

“Spank your ass,” he says with a deadpan delivery that makes me shiver.

“Oh.” I blink repeatedly as my mind conjures a sexy barrage of images of what that would feel and look like.

Thorne threatened a few times, but no one has ever actually spanked me.

I’m not opposed to the idea.

If anything, it’s kind of an intriguing prospect.

Would that lead to comforting cuddles if I behaved during my punishment?

My impulses are instantly intrigued by the idea of him tossing me over his lap. He’d hold me down with a forearm over my thighs, and I’d wiggle against his strong hold.

Bear’s long, blondish-brown hair falls around his face as he leans over.

“You’re still in your death trap heels.” His hands are gentle as he tugs my feet from under the edge of his blanket and carefully unhooks the straps, one by one. He places them down on the floor and sighs. “I’m going to snag a pillow for the couch. If Shera pops up, don’t stress. She’s used to sleeping in the bed with me.”

Shera is the giant yellow lab who sniffed us on the way in, but I don’t know where she is now.

I wouldn’t say I’m scared of big dogs, but the more aggressive breeds do make me nervous, since I still have a scar on my wrist from being bitten when I was a kid. She is really big, though, and that’s kind of intimidating. She was well-behaved in front of Bear, but who knows if she would bark or growl if she saw me without him around.

My face nuzzles closer to his pillow, trying to soak up every bit of his scent. I’m not sure why, but it seems to be settling my upset stomach, which is kind of a gift.

“You don’t have to go,” I say softly. “I don’t take up much room. We can both fit.”

His head tilts. “The couch is a safer option.”

I stare up at him from under my lashes. “It’s still cold in here, and you’re really warm.”

His head falls back as he mumbles under his breath. “Scoot back. I’m only staying until you fall asleep.”

My insides light up as a wide smile crosses my face.

No one ever gives in to me that easily, but more than that, he’s a delicious, giant of an alpha. My instincts are obsessed with the idea of scenting him as I fall asleep. Snuggling up to his warmth will be a whole different level of comforting on a biological level.

I haven’t slept well since everything ended with my ex. Not that Thorne and I got to spend the night together all that often.

Bear kicks off his boots as I frown, wondering if I’m being unfair.

Every alpha wants to cuddle with an omega…right?

“Scoot,” he growls, and my body snaps into motion, sliding backward. “If you need the trash can, you better give me some warning.”

“Or you’ll spank me. I got it, and I’ll do my best.”

The bed jostles as I wait for him to get settled before moving closer. He crosses his arms over his chest, which isn’t a very inviting position, but maybe I am being a pushy omega.

I settle for keeping my head on the pillow but wiggling my nose closer until he’s all I can smell. My knees bump his side, and he pulls his arm up and around me.

“Sleep, you adorable pain in the ass.”

“Night, grumpy bear.”

Warm breath fans over my neck, and it doesn’t smell great.

Ew.

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