Page 28 of Monsters Wear Crowns
And he saw it. Of course, hesawit.
Heknew.
His grip tightened just enough to make me aware of every inch between us–how little space there was, how easily he could close it. He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered–
“You want someone to chase you. To be rough with you.”
My entire bodylocked up.
Ice surged through my veins, chased instantly by fire.
Heknew.
Oh,fuck, he knew.
My stomach dropped as realization slammed into me like a freight train. My hands curled into fists, heat flaring through my core.
“I have to admit,” he mused, his tone almost thoughtful, “I expected something…different. But you surprised me, Adela.” His other hand trailed down my arm, deliberate, possessive. “You read about men who take. Who ruin. Whoown. Some wear masks, some don’t. That’s why I figured you’d enjoy the hood.”
My heart pounded violently against my ribs.
“I will fucking kill you,” I ground out.
His grip on my chin tightenedjust enough.
“No you won’t. I had to be sure,” he murmured. “Had to know what youreallywanted.” He leaned in, his breath fanning against my lips. “And now I do.”
My mind told me to bolt or punch him, do anything butstand there, my skin burning where he touched me.
But I didn’t move.
And his smile told me he knew exactly why.
“You son of a bitch,” I whispered.
Helaughed–low, dark, vibrating through my bones. “Oh, Adela,” he murmured, his fingers trailing down my throat, pressing just enough to make me aware of the vulnerability. “You have no fucking idea what I could do to you.”
Ishouldhave been scared.
Maybe I was.
But fear and arousal weaved together inside me, coiling around my ribs, poisoning me with something dark, sharp, and undeniablyalive.
Rafe watched me like he waswaiting.
Waiting for me to run.
Waiting for me tosnap.
Waiting for me togive in.
I did none of those things.
Instead, I forced my chin higher, my voice cool despite the storm in my veins. “You think I’ll let youuseme?”
His smirk deepened. “Useyou?” His fingers slid lower, skimming my pulse. “No, my darling.” His grip tightened. “I intend toownyou. But don’t pretend to dislike the thought of being used.”
Isucked in a breath. He was right. Andfuck himfor knowing it.
