Page 31 of Death and Donuts

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I managed even as my libido screamed, “Please!”

CHAPTER EIGHT

One touchof Shepard’s lips and I knew I would lose myself. Based on the slight tremor that wracked Shepard’s body, he looked like he was having the same problem.

“Is it me you don’t trust or yourself?” he asked softly.

“It’s me,” I said. “Definitely me.”

“Wrong answer,” he said a moment before his mouth was on mine.

The kiss melted my insides, creating a molten need for more. More of his lips on my skin. More of his taste. More touching. More of everything except clothes. We needed less of those.

My fingers had just drifted to his shirt when he caught my hands in his and set his forehead against mine.

“I hate myself for stopping this,” he said, his voice pure gravel. “But I think you would hate yourself more if I didn’t.”

I gulped in one breath after another and managed to nod.

“Thank you.”

He groaned and kissed the corner of my mouth lightly. I wanted to turn my head and steal another kiss.

“You’re wrong, though,” I said

“Wrong? About what?” He pulled back to meet my gaze.

I saw the gold in his eyes and felt even more guilt.

“I already hate myself. I know you can smell Cross on me. Every time I’m with one of you, it’s like I lose my sense of direction. I can’t tell the difference between up and down. You think this date—spending time together—will help me choose you, but it won’t, Shepard.”

He opened his mouth to speak, and I pressed my fingertip to his bottom lip. He nipped it. I felt the shock of that simple gesture all the way to my toes.

“You asked me to get to know you,” I continued. “But isn’t that so I can like you more and eventually say yes to everything you can offer me?

“I’m not stupid, Shepard. I know you’re not pushing, but this is still a gentle nudge.

“The more I try to stay away, the more you’re both there. And I like it, Shepard. I like it so much, and I hate myself for liking it. I want to say no to both of you, and I can’t. You both keep drawing me in.”

His fingers feathered over my cheek, and his gaze held so much adoration my knees felt weak with it.

“Don’t hate yourself, Everly. I can deal with Cross' scent on you more than I can with you slamming the door on what I feel for you. Just keep spending time with…us. We’re both okay with it.”

I didn’t believe him. Not for one second. But I wanted to.

My seatbelt clicked into place, and he moved away from me to buckle himself in.

“I hope you’re ready for some serious desserts. You’re going to like the place I found.”

Taking a steadying breath, I smiled and asked about the restaurant, which turned into a nice conversation about the places Shepard and his people discovered during their search for vampire nests. He kept the vampire talk very minimal andunbiased. In turn, I asked questions about him as a person rather than a boss or the pack alpha.

He didn’t really have any hobbies since his time was spent protecting the pack and running Blur. But he loved the color of the sky just before it stormed and admitted he’d taken an interest in me the moment I walked through Blur’s doors for the interview.

“It took one hint of your scent to hook me,” he admitted.

“Last fall? Why didn’t you…”

“Make a move? I didn’t want to scare you away, and I wasn’t sure how you felt about my kind. You don’t really talk about yourself at work. You’re a very private person.”

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