Page 139 of The Female

Her face and neck are red, and she pants as she stares at me with an expression that says I’m not going to like what happens next.

“You can’t cum,” she orders. “I don’t want you to.”

My eyes narrow, and I mentally curse her as I sit back on my heels. The corners of her lips twitch at my angry expression, and I don’t bother hiding it as I shove my cock into my jeans and zip myself back up.

I hate it, but I already know I’m going to listen to her. She’s got me wrapped around her bony, little finger, and now she knows it. Fucking tease.

“And why would I listen to you?” I ask.

Charlie’s pulse quickens as she sits up and clears her throat. She pushes her shoulders back and clenches her hands into fists by her side, the sudden change in posture worrying me. Before I can ask, she slides off the couch and kneels with me.

I don’t move as she leans forward and brings her mouth to my ear. Fear and anxiety seep from her pores, and I place what I hope is a comforting hand on her waist.

“Because you’re one of my males, and I said so.”

I’m stunned silent for the first time in my life, and I blink at her as she stands. Does she consider me to be her male? I knew I was thinking of her as mine, but I didn’t realize she was returning those emotions. I thought it would take more work than that.

Charlie grabs her clothing with shaky hands, and my nostrils flare as the scent of her shame hits me. What? I try not to look too confused as I take the clothing from her and push her back down on the couch.

“Calm,” I whisper, ignoring how she sits up with a huff.

She eyes the wetness around my jaw, and I suck my bottom lip into my mouth to taste her arousal while she watches. I like it.

Charlie’s quiet as I straighten out her clothing and grab her leg. I help her into her underwear, my fingers tapping against her thigh to get her to lift so I can slide them up her hips.

She seems embarrassed, so I avert my gaze as I help her get dressed.

What’s wrong with her?

There’s a quiet shuffling as Gray stands outside the library door, his return unnoticed until now. Good timing. I search for any sound of Aziel, but I can’t hear him anywhere in the house.

Still, I’m thankful Gray remains out of sight and gives me time to talk to Charlie. I help her stand and stroke her hair, unsure how to comfort her. She sighs and fists the hem of my shirt as I kiss her temple, both of which I think are positive responses.

“Do you regret calling me your male?” I finally ask, needing to know where these sudden negative emotions are coming from.

Her lips purse as she avoids eye contact, and I grab her face in frustration. I keep my grip light as I cup her cheeks and force her to meet my gaze. She still refuses to answer, and I shut my eyes and suck in a deep breath before continuing.

She’s been a handful all day, and I don’t know why I thought that’d change after touching her.

“I was wrong when I said I couldn’t take you as my female, and I’m sorry,” I say, rubbing her cheeks with my thumbs. “I’m not a mind reader, and I need you to communicate. Would you like me to go first?”

She nods, sinking her teeth into her bottom lip. I can see the skin caving underneath her sharp teeth, and I nudge her lip until she lets it go. She needs to stop doing that.

“I care for you—a lot—and I want you to be my female. I’d like to know if you called me your male out of lust or because you genuinely feel the same way.” I hope being upfront with my emotions will urge her to do the same.

She’s as bad as Aziel when it comes to being vulnerable, the female refusing to give anything away unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Charlie’s eyes widen, her grip on my shirt tightening as she twists her hands around the fabric. She lifts the end of my shirt with a grimace and wipes my jaw, removing the visible traces of her arousal from my mouth.

Damn. I liked it.

“I don’t know,” she finally admits, her eyes growing wet. I knew the tears were coming. “What would that look like? With you and Gray? I’m his female too, and I’m scared he’ll be upset with this.” Her bottom lip wobbles.

Her heart hammers as she glances at the ceiling, the action an apparent attempt to keep any tears from falling. I know this must be hard for her, her confusion about Gray’s desire and the unanswered questions about how we move forward overwhelming.

“There’s a lot to figure out, yes.” I chuckle, glancing at the library doors when I hear Gray inch closer. I can practically smell his impatience. “Gray’s been standing outside for a few minutes now. He’s not angry,” I finally admit, hoping to soothe her.

Shock, then horror, then excitement washes across her face as she turns toward the library doors. I try not to be offended by her excitement as I release her and murmur for Gray to come in. I wanted to talk about our relationship, but she’s not ready.

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