Page 45 of The Devil's Pawn

My reaction is almost instantaneous. I can’t stop my eyes from slowly sliding down his bare torso. He shouldn’t be allowed to walk around without a shirt on. It’s unfair.

And those gray sweats…my God. They ride too low on his hips, exposing a hint of the V leading to that thick shaft I felt not long ago.

I grow achy and warm between my thighs, the need for him to touch me only getting stronger.

“I was out,” he finally answers, but there’s something cold in his tone.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” The words whip across me like an arctic chill. “I was coming to get you for breakfast.”

“Oh. Thanks.” My lips flicker with a barely there smile, muddled with the confusion stemming from his mood.

“No big deal.” He starts walking away. “So, you coming or what?”

“Uh, yeah. Did you just get home?” I shut my door, joining him down the stairs.

“Nah. I got in pretty late.” He avoids my eyes as we make it down.

“Where did you sleep, then?”

“In another room.”

Thud.

Thud.

My pulse slams in my neck, my heart rate kicking up to an uncontrollable pace.

“Oh. I thought you’d, um…” Nerves clog my throat.

“Thought what?” he asks with an edge.

“Thought you’d join me when you got home.”

Why do I sound so needy? What the hell is wrong with me?

We make it to the kitchen, where Janet greets us.

“Good morning, you lovebirds. I hope you slept well.”

I glance at Dante, who looks pissed. The irritation might as well be branded on his face.

Janet gives him a curious look, and her stare narrows as he grabs a plate of pancakes and sausage from her, keeping his eyes glued to the food.

“Well, let me leave you two,” she adds, grabbing her black handbag from the counter. “Enjoy your meal. I’ll be back for lunch.”

“Thank you,” I tell her. “This looks great.”

“You’re very welcome. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

As soon as she walks out of the room, I spin toward Dante with a hand on my hip.

“What the hell is wrong with you this morning?” I shout through a whisper, hoping she isn’t still close enough to hear us.

The front door closes before he answers.

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