Page 55 of Reign of the Beast

“To make food?”

“Uh huh. Something wrong?”

He chuckled. “No, it’s actually a good sign. From what you’ve told me, you only use your magic for battle, or Guardian missions.”

“Sometimes, to get showered and dressed quickly too.”

“Right, yeah, but to head out to work.”

“I guess,” I said, popping a cherry tomato into my mouth.

“This means you’re loosening up a bit with it.”

I nodded, happy at him getting it without me even having to explain much. “I’m trying to allow it to become one with me, instead of something I just tap into for a specific purpose.”

“Trying to bring the fun?”

“Exactly.”

I took a bite from an apple tart and Jaxon’s next words had me choking on it.

“You ever use it to get yourself off?”

I slapped my hand to my chest, fighting to clear my throat.

“What?” I managed to croak out.

I snatched up a glass of orange juice and took a few sips to ease the irritation.

Jaxon was grinning at me like a freaking Cheshire Cat. When I’d managed to get myself under control, he pressed, “Well?”

“A lady never discusses such things,” I said with a wry grin.

“After the other night, I finally got my proof that you’re way more than that prim and properladypersona you put on to the rest of the world. There was a wild thing trapped beneath all that, just waiting on the right guy to come along and bring it roaring to the surface.”

Well, he wasn’t wrong. In fact, it was undeniable. Being with him had awakened me in that respect and I’d felt a whole new sense of freedom ever since. I felt lighter, more open, more confident.

It was what enabled me to continue what would have previously been a highly uncomfortable discussion, telling him, “No, I’ve never used magic to pleasure myself.”

“What about with Ryker?”

I shook my head vehemently and winced at the recollection.

“What was that?” Jaxon asked, picking up on my reaction.

“I… uh… the one time I did use my power when we were in the throes of passion, it didn’t go over so well. I lost control, blasted him across the other side of my bedroom and knocked him out.”

Jaxon choked out a laugh. “Jesus.”

“I know. It was bad.”

He shrugged. “Well, he likes it rough. His thing with Lucian is proof enough of that.”

“It was a little more than just some sexy roughness.”

Eyeing me curiously, he finished the rest of hissandwich, then dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, before asking, “Why did you risk it with me?”

“Risk what?”

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