Page 63 of A House of Fangs & Deceit

“Of course I do, you idiot.” I shoved his chest, but he didn’t budge. Damn him. “Although, I’m finding myself caring a little less right now.”

A deep laugh rumbled out of his chest as his eyes sparkled. “Liar. You still like me.” He grabbed my ass and lifted me up onto the bed.

I scooted back, but he moved forward, placing an arm on either side of me and pinning me against the bed with his chest. Heat pooled between my thighs, and my pulse pounded harder.

“There’s no reason to be jealous. I’m not Riah’s type.”

“Oh?” I said breathlessly. “She doesn’t like prissy courtiers?”

“Sheadoresprissy courtiers.” Kieran ground his hips into mine, and I swallowed back a moan. “Just ones with a nice rack instead of a hard cock.” Then he leaned down to nipmy bottom lip before rolling off me and snuggling into the bed.

I shot him an annoyed look. “By all means, get comfortable.”

“Thanks, I think I will.” He winked at me.

My heart started to pound frantically, only this time it was driven by panic and not desire. I was definitely still more than a little turned on, but Kieran being in my bed like this was exactly what I was trying to avoid. It felt like crossing a line that I wasn’t ready for.

“Hey,” he said softly. When I didn’t turn to look at him, he gently guided my face towards his. “What’s going through that chaotic mind of yours?”

“I don’t know how to do this.” I sat up, twisting so I was looking down at him, and then waved a hand between us. “It sounds stupid, I know. You’re used to doing this type of stuff, whereas I have no idea what I’m doing.”

A devilish grin flashed across his face. “Given how things went at the hot springs, I’d say you know exactly what you’re doing.”

“I’m serious, Kieran.” I scowled at him.

“I know.” He reached up to wrap a strand of my hair around his finger. “You’re my friend, Sam. Whatever happens between us, wherever this goes, you willalwaysbe my friend.”

Doubt flickered through me. Even if we stopped messing around, I couldn’t go back to how things were between us. It’d been hard when we were younger, having him flirt with me and then go after other girls, but I’d dealt with it because I knew what the future had in store for me.

I looked to where the signed marriage dissolution sat on the table, my gaze hardening.

“I know that look,” Kieran sighed.

“What look?” My lips thinned into a flat line. Damn Kieran and his ability to read every single emotion on my face.

“The ‘Sam is overthinking everything’ look.” He raised an eyebrow as he studied my face. “It’s reaching dangerous levels, too. There is only one thing that can fix this.”

Realizing what he meant, I tried to scramble off the bed, but strong arms pulled me back. High-pitched screams tore out of me as Kieran tickled the shit out of my sides. Then he grabbed one of my legs and hauled it up so he could reach my foot.

“Don’t you dare!” I shrieked. With valiant effort, I ripped out of his hold and flung myself to the side, then fell completely off the bed.

Kieran’s head popped over the side, his golden hair all tousled, and laughed. “You okay down there?”

“I hate you.” I crossed my arms, determined to keep my dignity intact despite how ridiculous I looked lying on the floor with half my hair covering my face.

“No, you don’t.” He leapt off the bed and scooped me up, propping me up on one side of the bed before he walked around my room, gathering some paperwork I’d stacked on a table along with writing supplies.

He carried it all over, setting it on the table next to the bed, then poured me some tea that he also placed on the table.

“What are you doing?”

“You said you have work to do,” he said smoothly. “You’re going to do it in bed. I’m going to cuddle up next to you and allow you the privilege of watching me sleep.”

I choked on a laugh. “How are you so ridiculous?”

He fluffed up some of the pillows next to me before settling onto that side of the mattress.

“I know things are moving fast between us and that it’s freaking you out,” he said pointedly, and I bit my lip. Of course, Kieran would figure out why I was stressed out. “We’ll take it as slow as you want. Whatever you need, I will give you, Sam. Minimum begging required.”

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