Page 49 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

Evander smiled at me. “No. It’s a club in the wildest city in the US. Someone enchanted it to keep the humans from accidentally stumbling inside, which is good since that place caters to the underbelly of the paranormal world.”

“That sounds horrible!” I shivered, not needing to fake it thanks to the creature on the screen contorting itself as it crawled across the ceiling.

Resting my head against Evander’s chest, I tried to ignore the screams coming from the TV and focused on the steady rhythm of his heart. I tilted my head back and took my time tracing the lines of his face. He had more boyish good looks, while Rhodes had a ruggedness about him and Lochlan was, well, beautiful.

I darted a glance at Lochlan to find him scowling. Was he… jealous?

Deciding I sucked at reading men’s facial expressions, I turned my attention back to Evander, the movie completely forgotten at this point. His left arm wrapped around my waist, holding me to him while he gently massaged my scalp with his right hand. Everything about this man was soothing and reassuring.

Unlike the explosive personalities of the other men, Evander was steady as a rock. Saul, Lochlan, and Rhodes would hunt down anyone who caused me to shed a tear. Evander would be there to hold me as I cried.

Flattening my palm against Evander’s cheek, I guided his face down to mine. “Are you sure you’re not a ghost?”

Evander’s eyebrows drew together. “I think I’d know if I were a ghost. Why do you ask?”

I grinned. “Because it’s spooky how good you look.”

Both guys groaned, but Evander’s groan quickly shifted to something far deeper when my lips brushed his. I’d beenprepared for him to take charge like Saul and Lochlan, but Evander didn’t push for control. Instead, he let me lead. It was intoxicating, and it didn’t take long for the familiar heat of desire to stir in my belly.

Shifting positions, I straddled his lap so I could bury the fingers of both my hands into his hair. Evander was enjoying our make-out session if the hard length pressing against me was anything to go by.

His hands moved to my waist, then slid just under the hem of my shirt. I whimpered as his fingers brushed against my bare skin, fanning my desire. When he made no move to continue exploring, I rested my hands on top of his and slid them up my stomach and ribs.

Thankfully, that was all the encouragement he needed to touch me. Our slow kisses became hungry, and his thumbs had just brushed against the sides of my breasts when a snarl shook the room.

I’d been so lost in Evander’s touch and taste that I hadn’t been aware of my surroundings, and the sudden noise caused me to jump nearly a foot off Ev’s lap.

Scanning the room, I found Rhodes standing over us like a hangry grizzly. What in the Samhain was he so mad about?

“Dude! You scared her!” Evander snapped, rubbing reassuring circles on my back.

“That’s not difficult. She’s afraid of everything,” Lochlan piped up.

Yeah, well, I wasn’t scared of the big bad reaper who had them crapping their pants. Sadly, I had to keep my retort to myself to avoid unwanted questions.

“Here.” Rhodes held out a file. “I got a report about some odd deaths in the neighboring city. It seems people on the street started dropping dead, but no ghosts emerged from the bodies. You two go check it out. Now.”

Lochlan rose. “I’m going to grab my gear. Ev, I’ll meet you at the car in two minutes.”

A muscle ticked in Evander’s jaw, and for a moment, I thought he was going to argue with Rhodes. With a frustrated sigh, Evander broke their glaring match and focused on me.

“Let’s continue this later.” He kissed my forehead and the tip of my nose.

“Your grave or mine?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Enough.” A steel band circled my waist, lifting me off Evander’s lap and into the air.

“What in the apple-bobbin’ goblins—”I yelped, my words getting cut off as Rhodes tossed me over his shoulder. “Put me down!”

“Oh, I plan to.” Rhodes took the stairs three at a time. “In my bed.”

For the second time in as many days, I found myself being tossed onto a bed. Before my butt had stopped bouncing, Rhodes was on top of me, caging me in with his body.

His lips captured mine, kissing me with a passion that set my body on fire. Before I’d met these men, I’d been perpetually cold. Not comfy, but not really uncomfortable either. Now, thanks to being showered with so much touch and affection, I was toasty warm as long as I was with them. It was nice.

When Rhodes broke the kiss, his breathing was harsh and his eyes glittered. “I need to say something to you, and then you can either stay or walk out that door.”

“Okay. I’m listening.” That was only half true.

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