Page 71 of Wicked

“I’m thinking that hard, huh?”

I catch the smile in his voice.

“You are,” I say.

“Does that make you a mind reader?”

“I can be.” I bring his hand to my mouth and drop kisses on his palm.

“What am I thinking?”

“Why didn’t I tell you of my history with Missy? I knew of your bet, but I didn’t disclose what a bitch she is.”

His quiet laughter reverberates against my back.

“So it’s bitches and not witches?”

I bite down on his knuckles. Run the tip of my tongue along the web of his hand. He groans. I smile.

“You aren’t supposed to be turned on.”

“But I am.” Low, gravelly.

Heat pools between my legs. “Focus, Ryker.” God, that didn’t come out very convincing.

“If I do, can we?”

“Can we what?” Grin on my face, already guessing his answer.

“Make love?”

“Oh, you mean screw like rabbits?”

“Babe.”

If my back wasn’t to him, he’d be biting down on his knuckles, showing me exactly how much my words affect him. This guy of mine can be dramatic, and I love it.

“Yes,” I answer. “We can make love.”

“You give me too much leeway.”

Warm breath on my hair. Big calloused hand splayed across my hip.

“Shit, Harper, I don’t know what I was thinking accepting that dare, other than my dick had too much control. A bad decision on my part. I’m sorry, babe. You’re steps above her in looks and class. You’re good people, sweetheart.”

He’s too kind. I’m not a good person, not when I drove a wedge between two brothers, fracturing their bond.

“I don’t want to disappoint or be an embarrassment.”

“You’re not. Don’t think like that. As for Missy, no worries if you don’t want to tell. You’ll tell in your own time. If not, I’m okay with that too.”

“How are you so patient?”

“My father. He . . . Harper, my mother was a stripper.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all.”

“Aw, babe.”

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