Page 28 of Cruel Devotion

“Remove your glamour.” My demand was met with silence.

“And if I don’t?”

“Nothing. I can’t force you to do anything. It would be your choice,” I whispered.

“Seductress. Are you trying to get my knot?” he growled.

“That’s not what’s happening. If I didn’t have sex until next month, it would still be too soon,” I laughed.

“Not likely,” he chuffed.

“Gee, thanks,” I huffed, glaring at his beautiful grays, since I knew those were really his.

“Come on, Bunny. I want to laugh too,” he urged. It felt like he was begging. I dangled the delicious fruit of knowledge in front of him.

“This isn’t fair. There’s no equivalent exchange here, you’re just taking.” Even as the words left my mouth, I knew he’d won.

He looked at me with puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip. I sighed.

“It’s nothing. Thinking of Darius gobbling up Cohen… was funny. No big deal,” I said nonchalantly.

Ryder laughed then. His body shook as lips pulled far back, and his eyes squinted.

He was beautiful.

“Are you laughing at me now?” I teased.

“Mm… you’re naughty,” Ryder hummed. He crawled into bed beside us. The fire flickered, the glow dancing across the walls. Laying his head beside mine, he closed his eyes, and I watched the slow rise and fall of his chest.

“That’s it? You’re not going to give me what I wanted? Even though I answered your question?” I poked his chest, but he kept his eyes closed.

“The sun will be up soon. You’re tired. Get your rest, before I take you again,” he warned.

That’ll do it.

“I hope you don’t snore,” I grumbled. Before sleep took me, I swear I saw a flash of teeth as he smiled.

Beautiful

Light peeked through one of the cracks in the drapes, I couldn’t help but wonder what time it was. My first night in their bed and I could confirm that they did snore. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t keep me up. It reminded me of the one time I tried meditating. Resting my eyes, I’d practiced my breathing, and hummed. It relaxed my body and mind so much that I fell asleep. My body was sore and stiff from the last couple days. I barely had the strength to open my eyes. I’d do anything for a cup of coffee.

As warmth surrounded me, a heavy arm draped over my waist. Peeking out of one eye, I made out blurred ink. Even unconscious, Ryder maintained his glamour. Resting on Darius’ shoulder, his features soft with sleep. Reaching out, I touched Ryder’s neck and slid my fingers through fur. He continued snoring as I went up, up, up until I felt his ear. Not the one I could see, but his actual ear. It was flipped back, and I fought the urge to laugh.

I want to see how cute you look.

That’s when I realized only Darius was snoring. Ryder was awake.

“Good morning,” I rasped as I pulled back. He gripped my wrist as our eyes locked. His eyes were hooded.

I was caught.

“Keep touching me,” he murmured gruffly. His voice was deeper first thing in the morning.

“Okay,” I whispered as he continued staring at me.

“Did you have fun? Fondling me while I slept?” His eyes flashed as his claws gently drew circles into my back.

“Yes. You took liberties, so I did the same. Besides, you’re mine. I can touch you whenever I damn well please.” Ignoring the weight of his gaze, I pretended to focus on his ear, and scratched behind it. His lips parted and his eyes crossed.

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