Page 84 of Aine

Sliding out my arm that’s squished between our bodies, I bring it around his torso and return the hug. I squeeze him as tightly as I can, enjoying the warmth. We remain like this for a long moment before he pulls away and presses another kiss on my forehead.

I smile but let out a squawk when he lifts me. “Damien!” I shout as he drops his hand to my thighs and forces them to spread around his waist. “What are you doing?”

He only laughs, placing his hand underneath my butt to hold down my dress. The humans stare open-mouthed as we pass, and after a moment of trying to fight with Damien, I give in and hide my flushed face against his chest.

“We’re returning to the inn to start this day over.” He carries me out of the park and into the streets. “You’ll put on your pajamas and get into bed, and I’ll wake you the way I should have this morning.”

There’s a dangerous glint in his eye as he mentions waking me up, yet despite my better judgment, I find myself excited. I’m tired of fighting with him, and he seems genuine in his apologies. I might regret this, but I want to give him a chance.

I want love.

Damien refuses to answer any more of my questions. I can tell he’s eager by his poorly concealed smile and quick pace, and I’m happy this day isn’t going to be completely ruined.

The door smacks against the wall as he steps inside. The human behind the counter welcomes him, but Damien ignores him entirely as he carries me upstairs. I keep a close eye on his face and search for any signs that I’m growing too heavy for him, but he gives none.

I laugh as I’m set on my feet next to my discarded pajamas. I thought he was exaggerating about me putting them on and returning to bed.

“Get dressed,” he orders.

Damien stares impatiently before bending and grabbing the items off the floor. His face gives nothing away as he holds the clothing out for me to take, and I find myself tilting my head to the side as I try to read him. When he waves the fabric in my face, I laugh and take them.

That laughter grows when he pats my butt and ushers me off to the bathroom to get changed. I can’t quite wrap my head around his sudden change in emotion, but I’m enjoying it too much to question it.

He’s fun to be around when he’s in a good mood.

Damien doesn’t try to hide his appreciation as I exit the bathroom in the new clothing, and I use the opportunity to take in his appearance. He took it upon himself to change as well, and the sight of him in just his underwear has me feeling needy.

I can’t stop a playful huff from slipping from my lips as I pull back the covers and slide underneath. My eyes slip shut as I lie on my side and pretend to be asleep, my excitement growing as he closes the curtains and climbs in beside me.

Arms wrap around my waist and pull me back, and I tense only slightly as I’m pressed entirely against his front.

He’s hard, but I politely ignore it and wait for him to “wake me up.” I’m not sure what to expect, but given that I’m on my monthly bleed, I assume he plans to kiss me and provide some minor over-the-clothing groping before nudging me out of bed.

My thighs clench as I wait, the suspense building.

I can feel my arousal growing as soft fingertips trail across my hip, dipping slightly underneath the fabric of my shorts before moving back to my waist. My back instinctively arches, pressing me further into him as he continues his teasing.

“Aine,” he whispers, his voice barely audible as he adjusts and places his lips against my neck.

He’s only inches from my mark, and I tilt my head to give him more access. I like his mouth on me more than I’d care to admit, and I pant as he moves closer to the teeth imprints permanently scarred into my neck.

When the top of his lip grazes it I gasp into the sheets, wishing for nothing more than to kiss him properly. Before I have the opportunity to spin and do just that, he’s shoving his hand down my pajama shorts.

Panic fills my bones as I grab his wrist to stop him. He shouldn’t be touching me there when I’m bleeding.

“Damien!” I grunt, aching for precisely what he’s offering.

He continues to lower his hand until he makes contact with my clit, and he gives it a slow rub with his fingertips as I tighten my grip on his wrist and try to pull him away.

“You can’t do that,” I murmur, my nails digging into his skin.

Chuckling, he plants a kiss directly on my mark at the same moment he presses his fingers more firmly against me. I’d be lying if I said his flesh on mine wasn’t pleasurable, but this can’t happen when I’m bleeding.

“My little human.” He pauses, sensing my request for him to stop is genuine. “Do you not want me?”

My face turns red as I realize he must have forgotten about my condition.

My voice is inaudible when I respond. “I’m bleeding.”

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