Page 56 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

As if I wasn’t confused enough, my need to avenge my brother’s death and get him justice demanded I put aside my desires and stick to the logical course of action. I was a master of self-control; denying my body for two days shouldn’t be this hard.

With my world turned upside down, I clung to the mask that had served me well for decades and said, “She’ll behave. And if she doesn’t, I will handle it.”

I would’ve laughed at my stupidity if not for the fear that seeped into my soul. A golden ring that lined the outside edge of her irises glowed to life as her eyes glinted with mischievous glee.

Her crimson lips curved into the wicked smile of a siren, luring sailors to certain death. And just like those doomed sailors, I was hooked. My mouth went dry and my erection strained against the seam of my pants.

Whatever she was planning, I knew I was in for the absolute best-worst time of my life. I’d won the last game we’d played, but the odds weren’t in my favor this time.

“I’m sorry.” Axelle dropped her chin, looking up at me through her thick lashes.

She clasped her hands together and dropped them to her lap, appearing repentant—which we both knew was a lie. “I forgot where we were and you looked good enough to eat.”

“It’s fine.” The words came out harsh as her knuckles brushed against the bulge barely hidden by my dark slacks.

“Tiny Tank!” Zacharias called.

Glancing over Axelle’s shoulder, I watched as the warlock’s head turned in our direction and he lumbered through the crowd toward us.

Zacharias stood, offering his right hand for the warlock to shake, only to have the other man give him a weird fist pump. It was painfully awkward, and I enjoyed it.

Tiny Tank was tall—well over seven feet—but his frame was too thin. His skin hung loose from his body, giving his eyes a slightly too-large and protruding appearance. Greasy strands of hair hung around his face, and if it weren’t for his height, I would’ve asked if he’d ever found his precious ring.

I’d dealt with warlocks over the years, and they’d taken meticulous pride in their hygiene. That, combined with the fact that they wouldn’t have been caught dead—or alive—in the UnderGrave, was enough to make me suspicious of this man.

Unlike Zacharias, I remained seated and waited for Tiny to extend his hand before I leaned forward and shook it. The movement caused the devil on my lap to be pressed against me, something she took immediate advantage of.

I’d opened my mouth to give my name just as she gripped my erection through my pants and slid her fingers along the length. Just her touch had pleasure surging through me. To my horror, I barely managed to clamp my mouth shut before I dazzled everyone within earshot with my impression of an anime girl moaning.

Axelle took advantage of her hands being hidden between our bodies to massage along my length a second time. This time, my ears rang and my pulse jumped from the delicious torture.

Still sitting upright, I ran my fingers through her dark curls until I cupped the back of her head.

Angling her so that our cheeks touched, and her hair hid my mouth, I whispered a single word, “Behave.”

The brat had the audacity to hum, as though thinking about it. “I want to be good, but I’m really, really bad at it.”

Her voice was low and slightly husky, as though she’d been screaming my name all night long. My brain struggled to reconcile the sex kitten on my lap with the gorgeous bookworm who’d barely been able to maintain eye contact with me while I’d danced for her.

Was her stubbornness and desire to win canceling out her embarrassment when it came to sex?

“Don’t push me, pet. I’m not above taking you right now and making sure every man here knows you are mine.”

“Is that the truth, though? Because technically, only one man has followed through with claiming my body”—turning her head a fraction, her tongue traced an intricate line up my neck—“and it wasn’t you.”

My snarl was loud enough to catch the attention of everyone sitting nearby, but I didn’t care. I knew the collectors were part of the deal if I wanted her. She’d been open about that. But knowing another man had been inside her, while I’d stood in a cold shower for hours and stroked myself raw in a futile effort to rid myself of my erection, was enough to make me insane.

I focused on my breathing and keeping the shadows from escaping my control and causing a scene. Zacharias and Tiny Tank fell silent, their small talk forgotten as they studied me.

“Everything okay?” Zacharias asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

Clinging to my mask, I rolled my eyes and drawled, “Of course it is. My pet is struggling with being patient, and needs a reminder of who’s in control.”

I’d half-expected Axelle to get mad and storm away, but she didn’t.

“For a man who’s cold as ice, you are hot as Hades.” Her soft, breathy laugh was like a caress. “And there must be something wrong with me because I shouldn’t be this turned on by you.”

Her words repeated over and over in my mind.

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