Page 33 of Pleasure and Mane
She turned her head slightly, taking in the sight of Caius still asleep beside her. His thick brown hair was tousled from her fingers, and his face was relaxed in sleep, those impossibly long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Even in sleep, he radiated power and strength. Her heart did a little flip as she remembered last night—every kiss, every touch, and every breathless whisper in the dark.
I can't believe I waited thirty-four years for that.But God, it had been worth every single moment of waiting. The way he'd worshipped her body, the reverence in his touch, and the way he'd made her feel like she was the most precious thing in his world—it had been everything she'd never dared to dream of.
And I'm so glad I saved myself for him.The thought filled her with warmth. There was something profound about sharing that experience with him, knowing they'd both been waiting, both holding back until they found each other. It made what happened between them feel sacred somehow, like fate had been orchestrating this moment all along.
My mate.The word still felt foreign on her tongue, but it also felt right. Perfectly, absolutely right. A mere three days ago, she'd been a workaholic midwife with no time for romance. And now she was lying naked in the arms of a lion shifter who could transform into a four-hundred-pound apex predator, and somehow that didn't faze her at all.
She remembered watching his shift two nights ago at the bonfire—the way his human form had dissolved into something wild and magnificent. His lion had been breathtaking, all rippling muscle and golden fur, power and grace personified. Where another woman might have run screaming, Quinn had felt drawn to him even more. That massive creature was still Caius—still the man who played with children in swimming pools and worried about his pregnant sister and carried the weight of an entire community on his shoulders.
He's mine.The possessive thought surprised her with its intensity.This incredible, complex, beautiful man is actually mine.
But even as happiness bubbled up in her, her practical side kicked in. She couldn't just lie here basking in post-coital bliss all day, no matter how tempting it was. She had responsibilities—Lavinia's pregnancy to monitor and the Vincent Keale situation to investigate. Women had lost babies, possibly murdered by that monster, and Quinn wouldn't rest until justice was served.
Focus, Quinn. You're here to do a job.
She started to ease out of Caius's embrace, but his arm tightened around her, pulling her back against his chest andturning her to face him. His eyes opened, revealing those stunning blue depths that never failed to make her stomach flutter.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice heavy with sleep and satisfaction. The grin that spread across his face was pure male smugness mixed with genuine joy, and it made her heart skip several beats.
"Good morning," she whispered back, suddenly very aware of their naked bodies pressed together under the sheets.
Caius's hand traced lazy patterns on her bare shoulder, his touch sending little sparks of electricity through her skin. "Sleep well?"
"Better than I have in years," she admitted, then blushed at how breathless she sounded.
His smile turned predatory, and before she could protest, he'd rolled over, pinning her beneath him. His mouth found hers in a kiss that was hungry and demanding, reminding her body exactly what they'd shared the night before. When he finally pulled back, her pulse was racing, and her resolve was crumbling fast.
"We should probably get out of bed," she managed, though her hands were already betraying her by sliding down the muscled planes of his back. "Or we'll never leave this room."
Caius nuzzled her neck, his stubble scratching deliciously against her sensitive skin. "And what exactly would be wrong with that?"
Quinn let out a soft laugh, her body arching into his as his lips trailed lower. "As much as I'd love to spend all day in your bed," she said, her voice breathless, "we really should get up and start investigating this Vincent Keale situation. If we need to press charges against him, we need to do it sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence here."
His growl of frustration vibrated against her skin, but he reluctantly lifted his head, his blue eyes dark with desire and frustration. "You're right," he admitted, though his hands still roamed her body as if he couldn't quite let go. "I don't want any further harm coming to my pride members." He paused, his lips quirking into a sly smile. "At least humor me and take a shower with me this morning."
Quinn's heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly where that would lead. "If I get in that shower with you, we're not getting out anytime soon," she warned, though the thought of being under the hot water with him was already making her body thrum with anticipation.
"I'll be quick," he promised, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile as he guided her into his massive shower. Caius turned on the hot water, and steam quickly filled the space, wrapping them in a warm, hazy cocoon. Quinn stepped under the warm spray, letting the heat relax her muscles. She felt him behind her, his hands gently massaging her shoulders.
"You're tense," he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending shivers through her despite the heat. "Relax."
His hands moved lower, and she gasped when one slipped between her legs, his fingers working with a skill that belied his inexperience. "Caius," she breathed, her hands pressing on the tiled wall for support.
"Let me take care of you," he said, his mouth at her ear. His fingers moved faster, and she felt the tension building inside her, coiling tighter and tighter until it snapped. Her body shuddered as she came, her knees nearly buckling. Caius held her up, his arms strong and steady.
"You're amazing," he said, pressing a kiss to her shoulder as she caught her breath.
Quinn turned to face him, her hands trembling as she reached for the soap. "Your turn," she said, her voice still shaky.
She washed his body, her hands lingering on his chest, his abs, and then lower. When her hand brushed against his hard length, he groaned as he leaned back against the shower wall.
"Quinn," he warned, though his voice was more plea than command.
She dropped to her knees, her gaze locking with his as she took him into her mouth. His hands fisted in her wet hair, and she could feel the tension in his body as he fought to control himself.
"You're going to make me not want to leave this bedroom today," he growled, his hips jerking slightly as she deepened the pressure.
