Page 41 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“I have something in mind,” he says, “if you’re open to it.”

“I’m open to it,” I say immediately.

Noah chuckles. His warm breath sends tingles down my spine. “I haven’t said what I’m planning yet.”

“We both know what you’re talking about, and please. Just do it already.”

“Okay.” He backs up, smirking. “I’ll get a K-drama pulled up on my tablet.”

I blink at my reflection as he walks out of the bathroom. “What?”

His answer is a deep laugh.

“Noah,” I say sternly, marching into the main room after him. “That is not?—”

He catches me around the waist, cradles the back of my neck with his free hand, and presses me against the hall door. His voice a dark rumble, he says, “It’s not what?”

His vampire is showing. He has me trapped, vulnerable. I can feel his hunger. It’s a tangible thing, and it calls to me.

I like it more than I should. Or maybe I like it exactly as much as I should.

We’re the same now. Equals. Both monsters.

Both hungry.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door I’m currently trapped against, and a bright voice calls, “Housekeeping!”

“Go away,” Noah instructs loudly, not mincing any words.

The woman knocks again. “If you don’t want me to clean your room, you have to leave the tag on the handle.”

Noah pulls me against his chest, opens the door just enough to shove the hangtag outside, and then slams it back in place.

I blink at him, not sure if I want to laugh or melt.

He meets my eyes and steps in close. “You were saying?”

I swallow, my mouth dry. “I don’t want to watch a show.”

Noah lowers his head. “Then tell me what you want.”

I’m familiar with this style of questioning. Last time, it ended well. This time, it might end even better.

“You,” I breathe.

Noah nods once, his honeyed eyes darkening, and then his mouth is on mine.

Noah is usually gentle. When we were first together, he was worried about his fangs. And lately, he’s been worried aboutmyfangs. His kisses are careful, respectful even.

But this is not that kiss.

He’s not even that Noah.

Right now, his reckless desire matches mine. He presses me into the door, his body firmly holding me in place. I gasp againsthis mouth, fire kindling in my stomach, and then fist my hand in his button-up shirt, demanding more.

His hand travels over my back until it lands between my shoulder blades, and then he drags me away from the door. Clinging to each other, we move into the living space of the hotel room, away from the entrance, closer to temptation.

My hunger flares, all-consuming, and my fangs press at my gums. I grab Noah by the shoulders and back him onto the bed. He allows himself to be moved, amusement playing at his mouth even though his eyes are still dark.

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