Page 21 of Scent of Home

I go to the bathroom, ignoring the lump under the blankets, and brush my teeth and hair.

Dezzi was everything that is opposite to Locke. He was older than me, just a normal alpha living a corporate life. We worked in the same building and walked up the stairs together. That’s how we met. He was always smiling, unless he was in court, and then his smile was shark-like. He was ruthless, and part of his appeal was how much I admired him in our professional fields. I hadn’t thought to check to investigate such a prestigious man.

I trust his word.

He married his wife when they were nineteen. She’s a sweet little beta who approached me after work one day and ripped my world out from under me.

I smile at myself in the reflection.

No one fucks with Erin Bradley.

Payback is better when it comes with a side of complete annihilation. His career; I destroyed his reputation; he was shredded by his wife. I know because I’m the one who helped her bleed that prick dry. She walked away from the marriage a very wealthy woman.

I hate lies, but I hate feeling vulnerable and weak more.

I go to the bed and lay down, curling on my side so I’m facing the man lying beside me.

Would it be so bad if I just fucked him?

Yes!A voice inside hisses. I like him more than I’ve liked anyone in a long time. If those lies came back to hurt me…It’s not him. It’s me. I’ve never had a reason to not trust myself or my instincts until now.

I roll onto my back and stare up at the roof.

It’s not just him, though. Shane is a big, dangerous ball of mystery. One I want to untangle and discover. Finn is the opposite of the corporate world sharks. His honesty and simple life have an appeal that is going to be hard to resist. And Brayson, I’ve never met a man like him. He’s hot with an abrasive and raw personality that is impulsive, fun, exciting.

And those kisses! My lips still tingle. It was unexpected and surprising. I do like a guy who takes charge, and Bray seems to be that guy.

I turn my head, staring at Locke’s relaxed face.

So, what is it about this man that pulls me in? The vulnerability is attractive, as is his curiosity and that life that sparks inside him. I want to protect him. He’s innocent, and it’s driving my alpha instincts mad. But he’s sexy and confident in his appeal. He’s got charm and a seductive charisma that I find hard to resist.

What if I just-

No! I’m not changing my rules for some gorgeous man who wears secrets the way some people wear clothes.

I reach out, despite myself, slowly spreading my fingers over his bicep. His skin is soft and warm, and when I touch him, he exhales like my touch has relieved some tension.

He suddenly reaches out, scooping me close to him and burying his face in the crook of my neck. I stay still, my heart thumping as he nuzzles in. Goosebumps break out across my skin, and I have to fight to keep my breathing even.

But then he settles, and his breathing evens out. His thigh is pressed between mine, the foreign heat of his skin causes a low burn. It would be so easy to just twitch my hips and send that burn into an inferno.

Vanilla floods my nose, and I go still and tense before everything inside me suddenly goes soft and fluid. I stretch out my arms, cuddling him close, pulling him closer. Oh, where is that smell coming from? It’s barely there, but it’s delicious. I need him in me. I bury my nose in his hair, my mouth watering. I’ve got no control over myself when I lean closer and lick his ear. His moan is music.

That sound breaks me out of whatever this is, and I let my head fall back on the pillow, groaning as he flexes a huge cock against my stomach.

Rules are there for reasons! I tell myself sternly.

But that doesn’t stop my core clenching. It doesn’t stop my underwear getting damp, and it doesn’t stop the man in my arms from making sexy little sounds and shifting, dragging that heavy cock against me.

It’s torture, but it’s delicious.

“Save me,” Locke murmurs in a frightened cry.

My arousal vanishes like a light is switched, and I freeze. Fierce protective instincts surge to the forefront of my mind. The room chills with the force of my sudden rage.

“Of course, I will,” the alpha side of me soothes. It’s a promise and a threat. To everyone else.

He kisses my collarbone and snuggles his face against my breasts.

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