Page 88 of Royal Deception
I raise an eyebrow, not willing to back down so easily. “Oh, I know,” I tease, my voice dropping a little, turning into something softer, more seductive. “But if you’re not going to make a move, maybe I’ll just have to keep tempting you.”
His grip on my hand tightens, his fingers wrapping around my wrist as he pulls me closer. His mouth brushes my ear as he whispers, “Don’t test me, sweetheart. I might just take you up on that offer.”
The teasing dynamic shifts instantly, and the atmosphere between us crackles with a different kind of energy. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck, the heat of his body just inches from mine, and it’s intoxicating. I bite back a smile as I inch closer, not letting go of his gaze.
We’re both suddenly far more aware of each other, of the space between us. There’s a shift in the air, a current of energythat makes everything seem both slower and more electric at the same time.
The tension builds, palpable in the air, like we’re both walking on a tightrope, not entirely sure whether we’ll fall or keep our balance.
“Maybe we should finish the movie first,” I say, my voice betraying a hint of breathlessness.
Rory chuckles darkly, his eyes locked on mine. “Yeah, sure. But don’t think I’m forgetting what you started.”
And just like that, the playful teasing continues, building until we’re both wrapped in the energy of the night, caught somewhere between a movie, laughter, and a charge neither of us can ignore.
I grin, tilting my head as I watch Rory’s smirk deepen. There’s a flicker of challenge in his eyes, something wicked, something tempting. I can tell he’s waiting for me to make the next move—so I do.
With a quick shift, I throw my weight against him, pushing him back against the couch. He lets out a low chuckle as I climb over him, straddling his lap. “You think you can win this one, sweetheart?” he taunts, hands already finding my waist.
I laugh, feigning confidence. “I don’t think. I know.”
The words barely leave my lips before Rory moves. In a single, effortless motion, he flips us, pinning me beneath him against the cushions. I gasp as he settles between my legs, his hands braced on either side of my head.
“That so?” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.
I squirm beneath him, trying to wiggle free, but all it does is press me closer to him. His grip tightens slightly, not enough to hold me still, just enough to remind me that he’s in control now.
“You cheated,” I accuse, breathless.
He arches a brow, amused. “Oh? Didn’t realize there were rules.”
I push at his chest, but he barely budges. The warmth of his body seeps into mine, the weight of him intoxicating. I try again, this time twisting my hips beneath him, and for just a second, something shifts. The laughter between us falters, replaced by something thicker, heavier.
His hands slide down, gripping my wrists gently and pinning them above my head. “Careful, Clary,” he warns, his voice lower now. “Keep squirming like that, and we’re gonna stop playing real fast.”
A thrill shoots through me at the way his voice drops, at the heat in his gaze. “Maybe I want to stop playing,” I whisper, pushing the boundary between teasing and something more.
Rory’s eyes darken, his lips parting slightly as he stares down at me. For a moment, he doesn’t move, like he’s deciding just how far he wants to take this. Then, slowly, he leans in, his lips ghosting over mine, close enough that I can feel his breath but not quite touching.
“Say the word,” he murmurs.
My pulse pounds in my ears, my fingers twitching beneath his grip. I don’t hesitate. “Take me.”
And just like that, Rory closes the space between us. His lips crash against mine, slow and deep, like he’s been waiting for this moment just as much as I have. His grip on my wrists loosens, and my hands tangle in his hair, pulling him closer.
37
RORY
Clary’s mouth is on mine and my mind is consumed by thoughts of what I want to do with her, but I don’t want to push for too much. We’re still dancing around each other, trying to figure this out.
My grip loosens, and I let my fingers drift down her arms, slow and deliberate, feeling the shiver that rolls through her. I dip my head, pressing a kiss to the side of her throat, my lips lingering.
“You drive me fucking crazy,” I murmur against her skin, feeling the way her breath catches.
“So do you,” she whispers, and there’s something in her voice that makes my blood heat.
I lift my head, meeting her gaze. Her pupils are blown wide, her lips parted, her body arching toward mine.
