Page 83 of Cruel Legacy

With her eyes closed, she says, “It’s barely a scratch.”

“Or that he said he wants to cum on your tits?”

“Nope.”

“What if I said I wanted to kiss you?” He asks, taking a step closer. She waves her hand, dismissing us. “With my hand around your throat?”

Her body stiffens. She slowly rolls over in bed and peels one eye open.Dammit.Just when I was thinking of all the ways tonight could go. I prepare myself for what’s coming next. Once she opens her mouth, I’ll have to cut out her tongue, so she never speaks to Holden again. I pull my blade back out, snapping it open.

Thea sits up in bed and scoots back until her back is against the headboard. “For how long?”

Okay. Wasn’t expecting that. Neither was Holden. Her scratch is still bleeding. This time I don’t hesitate. I lean down and lap it up, savoring the coppery taste on my tongue. Thea flicks me on the ear. I look up and see Holden’s still considering her question. He asks, “How long can you hold your breath underwater?”

“Uh… I’m not sure. I’ve never timed it.”

That makes sense. Most people who aren’t training to be underwater divers don’t time it. We have because survival camp made us do it. The camp counselors Said we should know in case we’re ever in a car or aircraft that crashes in the ocean.

“I’ll just squeeze until you feel the need to come up for air.”

“Do you wanna completely constrict my air or just hold your hand there with a little pressure?” She asks, really giving this some thought.

Holden mulls that over too, before replying, “I’d try it both ways to see which one I find more pleasurable.”

“Have you done it before?”

Am I drunk and high and hallucinating? Are they really sitting here discussing breath play like it’s a homework assignment?

“Several times.” He cuts his eyes at me. “But the experiments were inconclusive.”

“I see.” The room is quiet except for the thundering of my heart as I wait for her to freak out. After a few minutes, she says, “Okay.”

“Okay?” I choke the word out. I know I’m ogling her. But shit, is she serious right now, or is she fucking with him?

She’s looking at Holden without a trace of fear when she says, “I’m willing to help you with your little experiment.”

“When?” I can tell from his tone that he doesn’t think she’ll go through with it either.

“Now works for me. Or do you need time to prepare?” Holden shakes his head. “Okay then, Pretty Boy.” She pats the space beside her. “Let’s go.”

I arch a brow. Did Holden notice she gave him a nickname? He walks forward and settles onto the bed next to her. I move closer to make sure she’s not about to stab him with the knife I now know is hidden under her pillow.

Holden is wary of her too, but he leans forward and kisses her. A peck. Then another. When she doesn’t pull away or grimace at the feel of his mouth on hers, he finally dives in, committing to his research.

Chapter39

Thea

These yahoos broke in and disrupted my sleep. It’s only been a few hours since I drifted off. I’m already sleep deprived from studying. That must be the reason I haven’t kicked them out, and agreed to help Holden with his little experiment.

His lips are soft. Gentle, like he’s not sure about this kiss. I open my mouth and sweep my tongue across his lips. He stiffens and I give him a second before doing it again. He finally opens for me, and I slide my tongue against his. He tastes like my favorite coffee from the dining hall and Peppermint Patties.

Slowly, his hand closes around my throat and squeezes. It’s just enough pressure so I can feel it. My pussy throbs and I shift, exposing my neck a little more. He leans into the kiss, pressing his chest against mine for just a second, before pulling away.

“You, um.” I lick my lips, still tasting him on my tongue. “You still wanna do the other way?”

“Yes.” His voice is dark, with a hint of something I can’t quite name.

I scoot down a little more to get comfy. “I’m ready when you are.”

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