Page 32 of Howling Mad
The storm rages outside, but in here with the fire crackling and Michael’s hand still covering mine, I feel a different kind of storm building between us.
“Finley,” he says my name like it’s something precious.“Yesterday, when I said I didn’t want to pretend anymore...I meant it.From the moment I walked into Romance Expected, something about you felt...right.”
I meet his gaze, my heart thundering.“I felt it, too.I kept sending you on terrible dates because it meant I got to see you afterward.”
He laughs softly.“I suspected as much.”
Outside, lightning flashes, illuminating the room in stark white before plunging us back into firelit intimacy.The storm has intensified, lashing rain against the windows like a living thing.
“Your hair,” he says suddenly, reaching out to touch a strand that’s curling wildly near my face.
I groan, touching the increasingly untamed mass.“The humidity.Penelope calls this mynatural wolf state.”
“It’s beautiful.”His voice drops lower, sending a shiver down my spine.“You’re beautiful.”
The air between us charges with electricity that has nothing to do with the storm.His gaze drops to my lips, and time seems to slow.
When his mouth meets mine, it feels like coming home.His lips are warm and firm, tasting faintly of chocolate and wine, and I lean into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders.My wolf stirs beneath my skin, responding to his scent and touch.His fingers tangle in my unruly hair, and I make a small sound in the back of my throat that’s almost a growl.
The kiss deepens, his tongue sliding against mine, and heat pools low in my belly.I’m vaguely aware that we’re in a semi-public space, but the storm and power outage have created a bubble around us, and the other guests are mere shadows beyond our little corner.
When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing hard.Around us, the lounge has emptied somewhat as the storm begins to abate, but I barely notice.
“The rain is letting up.”His thumb traces my lower lip in a way that makes me want to bite it gently.“They might be able to get the cars soon.”
I gather my courage, knowing what I want with absolute clarity.“I don’t want this night to end yet.”
His eyes darken to the color of a storm-swept sea.“What did you have in mind?”
“My place?”The boldness surprises even me.“Penelope texted earlier that she’s staying at her training partner’s tonight.”
Michael’s smile is slow and full of promise.“I’d like that very much.”
The storm allows us to claim his car ten minutes later, and the drive back to my apartment passes in charged silence, the air between us crackling with anticipation.When we reach my door, my hands shake slightly as I fumble with the keys.
Inside, the apartment is dark and quiet.I turn to face Michael, suddenly nervous despite the certainty I feel.“Would you like something to—”
The rest of my offer is lost as his mouth claims mine, hungrier now and more urgent.I respond in kind, sliding my hands under his henley to touch his warm skin.He makes a low sound in his throat, almost a growl, and the primal noise sends heat rushing through me.
We stumble toward my bedroom, shedding clothing along the way.His Henley shirt catches on a lamp, nearly sending it crashing to the floor.We laugh breathlessly, and then I gasp as his mouth finds the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder, a wolf’s most vulnerable place.The gesture is both submission and dominance, and my knees nearly buckle.
“I’ve wanted this,” he murmurs against my skin, “since the moment I saw you.”
In my bedroom, moonlight streams through the window, the storm having cleared to reveal a nearly full moon that bathes us in silver light.Michael pauses, taking in the sight of me in just my underwear, and the heat in his gaze makes me forget to be self-conscious about my curves.
“You’re perfect,” he whispers, drawing me against his bare chest.
I trace the lean muscles of his torso, exploring the planes and angles that his suits had kept hidden.When I reach the waistband of his jeans, he inhales sharply.“May I?”I ask, and he nods, his gaze never leaving mine.
I unbutton his jeans, sliding them down his hips along with his boxers.My breath catches at the sight of his cock, fully aroused and magnificent.I reach out, wrapping my fingers around his length, and he groans, his head falling back.
“Finley,” he whispers, his voice ragged.
His hands move to my back, unhooking my bra with surprising dexterity.When the lace falls away, he cups my breasts, his thumbs circling my nipples until they harden into tight peaks.I arch into his touch, a whimper escaping me.
“So responsive,” he murmurs, lowering his head to take one nipple into his mouth and teasing it with his tongue while his fingers continue to work the other.
Pleasure spirals through me, sharp and sweet.I let go of his cock and tangle my fingers in his hair, holding him to me while he lavishes attention on my breasts.My wolf stirs closer to the surface, wanting more…everything.
