Page 41 of Devilish

I ran my fingers through my damp hair, shaping the waves a little more and ignoring the second thoughts that invaded my brain. That this was a mistake, that he’d turn me down.

It’s just a thank you. He can’t turn down a thank you.

I checked Lucien’s room first, but it was empty and music drifted down the hall, coming from somewhere downstairs. With a deep breath, I headed that way, trying for the confidence Lucien had in spades. He always held his shoulders back and had that look that said he knew every single person in the room wanted him.

I wouldn’t be going that far, but I did stand up a little straighter. To show off the outfit to its best advantage and all.

With a finalgo get himcheer to myself, I stepped into the room the music was coming from and saw a pool table, bar, and a couple of clubman chairs facing doors that opened onto the patio area.

The lights were set low, and I saw the back of Lucien’s head where he sat staring out at the glistening water of the pool. I shook out my hands, keeping them loose, and made my way inside and around the pool table.

I spotted a glass of alcohol in one of his hands and made a split-second decision to reach out and trace a finger down his arm where it rested on the chair.

Lucien turned to look in my direction, and a smile slowly curved his full lips.

“Good evening…”

“Evening,” I said, continuing past him. His dark eyes drifted down to the sleeveless, high-collared lace top and the black pants that had been tailored specifically for me.

He ran his index finger along his bottom lip as he gave me an appreciative once-over I felt everywhere. “Is it not a good one?” he asked. “Because from here, it seems exceptional.”

That was exactly what I wanted to hear, and it was all the permission I needed to make a move.

I stepped in between his thighs, enjoying the way he had to crane his neck back to look at me when usually the roles were reversed.

That sexy smile didn’t dim as he arched a brow. “What’s this about?”

All the nerves I’d felt on the way down here were gone now, replaced with a burning hunger.

Looks like I need to be clearer.

I reached for his hand and placed it on my body, within easy access of my zipper.

“Does this feel as good to you as it does to me?”

Lucien squeezed my hip. “It definitely fucking does.”

Covering his hand with my own, I moved it down so that he could feel my growing erection. “I want to thank you for today.”

I was past the point of being shy about this. I had Lucien’s hand on my cock, and he wasn’t pulling away.

“I’d say you’re welcome, but…” Lucien ran his thumb along the sensitive underside of my shaft under the pants. “I’m starting to feel like I should say thankyou, for finally showing me one of the outfits you picked out.”

“This one’s my favorite,” I said. “It’s so proper and still so…”

“Risqué?” Lucien curled his fingers a little tighter around me. “Is that how you’re feeling, Kai? A little risqué?”

I slid my hand down over my chest to where my nipple was rubbing against the lace. “I…I told you, I just want to thank you.”

Lucien’s eyes glittered dangerously, and while that look would’ve had me backing up a week ago, it now had my pulse racing. Then he let me go, drained his drink, and slowly got to his feet.

“That’s the second time you’ve said that since you walked out here.” My breath caught as the front of his shirt brushed over the lace covering me. “Why do you think you need to thank me?”

My cheeks flushed under his touch as I tried to think of an answer. But with his fingers gently grazing my jaw, I was finding it difficult to remember how to breathe, let alone speak.

“Kai? I asked you a question.”

I wasn’t sure what it was, but something in Lucien’s tone seemed to change in that moment. Something that made every single instinct in my body respond. He’d gone from relaxed and interested to the man I’d seen that first night, watching me from his throne at The Veil.

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