Page 76 of Charming Her Monsters

Abruptly, Flint crushes me to his chest in a possessive embrace.

“What’s happening?” I wheeze out.

“Sorry…” He pulls back. “It’s just I was thinking I wanted to… and… youheardme.”

“But isn’t it only your mate match that can hear your thoughts?”

“Yes. But don’t fret. Being someone’s match doesn’t mean you must mate with me. If you don’t wish to have a bond, you can reject—”

I interrupt him. “Slow down. No one is rejecting anything. Let’s just see how this all goes, yeah? If anything, I’m worried that I’m not a good fit for you. Perhaps you would be the one to reject me.”

“Why would you ever think that?”

“I’m a witch, remember? And we don’t know what’s going on with me or my magic. We don’t know how Rob might have messed with me. What if it’s permanent and what if I’m damaged? What if I’m a danger to you? You mean too much to me to hurt in any way.”

Flint announces, “I am kissing you now.”

That shuts me the fuck up. Flint’s taking the lead, and I don’t mind one bit. His massive hands cradle my head gently.

He waits a beat for me to protest, and when I don’t, he leans in with no further hesitation.

Slightly cooler, his lips are smooth yet firm as they press to mine. Both our eyes open, studying each other’s responses.

I explore his mouth with mine, kissing his bottom lip and his top. He’s a quick study and does the same with me. When I suspect he’s ready, I let my tongue dart out and skim over his seam. He gasps and touches his tongue to mine.

It’s all too much for him suddenly. He pulls back, but then presses his forehead to mine, staring into my eyes and breathing heavily as if he’s running a marathon.

Something below grows more pronounced.

Holy bell towers. This guy is packing.

“I need to show you who I am. It’s only fair, as you are my match. You should know before we proceed further with our courting.”

“Courting?” I blush. “You make it sound so formal.”

“I want to do what is right by you.” He strokes my cheek and then lifts me off his lap like I’m nothing but a tiny thing and sets me down on the bed. “I should inform you I won’t be able to give you children.”

“I’m sorry if you had wanted them. But if I had wanted kids, I would have had them by now. I only need you, not children.”

“And you need Maxum and Arran? Maybe even Calder? Or Osen, if he returns?” he asks. He doesn’t sound jealous, but curious.

“Would that bother you if I were to share my affection?” I ask, because we should deal with this now if it will be an issue for him. I don’t see breaking things off with Maxum and Arran, not willingly anyway.

“I don’t mind. It’s not uncommon among supernaturals to have multiple partners.”

“Okay, good. I will do my best to be a good girlfriend,” I promise.

“I shouldn’t delay further.” He stands, his face is devoid of everything except sadness. He believes I will reject him because of his appearance.

Slowly, he pulls over his head the tight-fitting, thin sweater he enjoys wearing.

His beautiful flesh is sculpted beyond my expectations. The unusual tone and coloring only adds to his unique beauty. So far, other than on his head, he hasn’t any body hair to speak of.

He pauses as his thick fingers find the waistband of his pants. The fabric at his crotch is stretched from what he’s hiding.

He shuts his eyes tightly to block out my reaction. Poor sweetie. My heart aches for him. I don’t know what he hides or what his true form is, but I know the fear of rejection.

Rob used to make me feel ugly with his degrading words. It’s only with Arran’s and Maxum’s affection and appreciation for my body that has me starting to feel confident in my skin again.

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