Page 62 of Reckless: Corruption

His other hand finally, finally cups my breast, fingers teasing my nipple into a tight peak. I arch into his touch, a needy sound escaping my throat.

“Sensitive,” he observes with evident satisfaction. “Wonder if you’re this responsive everywhere?” His mouth leaves mine to trail kisses down my jaw, my throat, pausing to nip at the junction of my neck and shoulder. “Let’s find out.”

He sits back on his heels, eyes dark with intent as he reaches for the hem of the shirt I’m wearing. I lift my arms, helping him pull it over my head and toss it aside. Then I’m bare before him except for my underwear, the cool air raising goosebumps across my skin.

Or maybe it’s his hungry gaze that causes that reaction.

“Beautiful,” he breathes, eyes tracking over every inch of exposed skin. His fingers reach out to trace the constellation of freckles scattered across my collarbone. “Perfect.”

Self-consciousness hits me like a system error. I’m still recovering from the virus, still marked by Alexander’s knife work, still far from my best. I start to cross my arms instinctively, but Jinx catches my wrists.

“Don’t hide from me,” he says, his tone gentle despite the intensity in his eyes. “Not ever.”

He guides my arms above my head, pressing my wrists into the pillows in a hold that’s both commanding and considerate. “Keep these here. Let me see you. All of you.”

The position leaves me utterly exposed, every vulnerability on display. But instead of feeling threatened, I feel... cherished. Jinx’s gaze on my body holds reverence mixed with hunger, as if he’s memorizing every detail like code he intends to protect.

“So fucking beautiful,” he murmurs, his free hand tracing from my collarbone down between my breasts, across my ribcage, to the edge of my underwear. “Every inch of you.”

His fingers pause at one of Alexander’s marks, a thin line across my ribs that’s already fading to silver. His expression darkens, something dangerous flashing in his eyes.

“He’ll pay for these,” he promises, voice dropping to that register that speaks of violence barely contained. “Every single one.”

“Get in line,” I reply. “I think Mona’s got dibs. She’s been testing some interesting chemical combinations. Very precise. Much painful application potential.”

That coaxes a smile back to his lips. “Fair enough.” His fingers resume their exploration, skimming across the waistband of my underwear. “Guess I’ll focus on more immediate concerns.”

“Like what?”

His grin turns wicked. “Like making you scream my name.”

Before I can formulate a suitably snarky response, he’s moving down my body, leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses from my throat to my breast. When his mouth closes around my nipple, I arch up with a gasp, my hands instinctively reaching for his shoulders before I remember his command to keep them above my head.

“Good girl,” he murmurs against my skin, the vibration of his words sending new sparks of pleasure through me. “So responsive.”

His teeth graze my sensitive flesh, sending a jolt of sensation straight to my core. My hips buck involuntarily, seeking friction that isn’t there. Jinx chuckles, the sound dark with promise as his hand slides down to pin my hips.

“Patience,” he admonishes, turning his attention to my other breast. “I’m going to take my time with you.”

“Jinx,” I gasp as he nips particularly sharply at the underside of my breast, “if you don’t touch me soon, I swear to god?—”

“Touch you where?” His voice is all innocence as his fingers trace maddening circles on my hip. “Here?” His hand slides to my thigh. “Or here?” His touch skirts closer to where I want him, then retreats. “You’ll have to be more specific, Glitch.”

Two can play at this game. I let my legs fall open wider, a clear invitation. “I want your mouth on me.” I hold his gaze as I say it, letting him see exactly how much I want this. “All of me.”

His pupils dilate at my boldness, a growl vibrating through his chest. “Careful what you wish for, Red.”

Then he’s moving lower, trailing kisses down my stomach, pausing to pay special attention to a particularly sensitive spot just below my navel that makes me whimper. His fingers hook into the waistband of my underwear, drawing them down with teasing slowness.

When they’re finally gone, he sits back again, looking his fill as I lie completely exposed before him. His gaze is hot enough to burn, tracking over every inch of me with undisguised hunger.

“Fucking perfect,” he breathes, hands sliding up my thighs, spreading them wider. “Been dreaming about this.”

“Yeah?” My voice comes out breathy, anticipation making it difficult to form words.

“Mm.” He settles between my legs, his broad shoulders keeping me open to his gaze. “Dreamed about how you’d taste.” His breath whispers against my most sensitive flesh, making me shiver. “How you’d sound when I made you come on my tongue.”

The crude words from his beautiful mouth send heat flooding through me. “Why don’t you find out?”

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