Page 53 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

“Kitty, I highly doubt there’s anything left to be embarrassed between us.”

My eyes narrow and I huff, “You’re going to laugh.”

Pulling a somber face, he shakes his head. “I promise that I won’t.”

I sigh heavily and look away as I mumble, “I’m kind of—I’m in heat.” He bursts out laughing, flopping onto the bed again as his eyes dance with mirth. I glare, thumping his chest with a fist,but it doesn’t deter his amusement. “Oh, fine. It gets worse, but I’mnot going to tell you.”

Sobering instantly, he looks apologetic. “I’m sorry, love. You have to admit that it’s bloody funny. Tell me what else he said. Please?” He leans forward and gnaws on my neck.

My eyes roll back as the sensation shoots through me. “You. Are. A. Cheater.”

He grins wickedly. “Always, baby. Now, fill me in so we can get with the sweaty nakeds.”

“That’s the problem.”

His eyes blink rapidly, and he tilts his head, looking puzzled. “Nakeds are a problem?”

I nod, feeling humiliated. “The heat—it makes me…well…” I lose my courage as I flush bright red.~Fertile, ~I mumble the last word into his head as I bury my face in his shoulder.

~You’re what?~

~You heard me.~

The room is silent for long, ponderous moments and I fidget, squirming a little in my discomfort with the situation. His arms tighten around me to keep me from wriggling away. The bastard knows me too well for sure. Confinement only exacerbates my embarrassment and I growl in impatience.

~Quit your wriggling woman.~

~No.~I reply stubbornly.

~Yes. I’m thinking.~

I huff, laying my head back down.~There’s nothing to think about. I have to get shots. We’ll use other stuff until we’re certain those work on me.~

He snorts.~Other stuff? Christ.~

~Yes, other stuff. ~I snap, the tension in me finally breaking the surface.~Condoms—you’re going to have to wear them.~

Lifting his head, he groans.~Bloody hell.~

~It’s not like I did this on purpose. I didn’t ask for this stupid… whatever it is.~

He doesn’t reply, only smooths his hands down my back. The silence is unnerving, and I’d be rocking at this point if I thought he’d let me move. I hadn’t considered that he’d react like this—quiet and introspective—and it’s starting to freak me out. I scrape at the polish on my nails, a nervous habit that I never have been able to control.

~Stop that.~

~No. The quiet is making me nervous.~

He sits up, tugging me with him to settle me on his lap. His hand strokes over my face, and he smiles gently. “There’s nothing to be nervous about, love.”

“There is when you don’t talk after I made a big announcement.”

Eyes dancing, he tucks a hair behind my ear and chuckles softly. “You’re cute when you babble, kitty.”

I wrinkle my nose at him. What’s with this sudden change in behavior? Quiet and reserved to soft and teasing—what is he, manic? “Why were you so quiet then?”

“I’m thinking about how much I love you.”

I smile wryly and rub my nose on his. “I love you, too, baby, but I sincerely doubt it took that much thought.”

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