Page 28 of Hot Blooded
I can’t comprehend how, but his words feel like a promise.
I must say this part out loud, because Reign smiles crookedly at me, still stroking the smooth column of my neck with featherlight touches.
“It’s like having a long, slow orgasm that carries on and on.” A rush of heat washes through me. I don’t understand, but imagine maybe it’s the endorphins, and perhaps the intimacy of sharing something so private that causes it to be as pleasurable as Reign says it is. A shiver races through me.
“Will you ever bite me?” The hope in my tone is obvious.
“No,” he says rather flatly, as if he doesn’t even need to think about it. He sounds resolute in that conclusion.
There’s a pang of disappointment in my heart, stopped only by the feeling of his mouth pressing against the inside of my wrist. He inhales deeply and curses under his breath.
“But you would surely be delicious.”
Feeling bold, I lean in close and press my mouth to his. Reign growls low, in the back of his throat as his lips mold to mine. My whole body is practically pulsating for him. For more than delectable kisses.
We carry on for some time like that, kissing and sucking, licking, lapping, tasting, exploring. Both of us panting, needy, leaning into each other, bodies rocking in deliberate restraint.
Finally, my phone chimes and breaks the spell. We break apart, panting, lips swollen and wet. Reign’s eyes are dark with lust.
“Wow,” I say with a little laugh.
“Yeah,” he croaks as if he’s swallowed sandpaper.
“So, is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” I say playfully through hooded eyes.
I’m starting to think that Reign is incapable of blushing, because the look in his eyes tells me he feels caught, called out by my words.
He straightens his pants, tugging on the fabric over his thighs, which draws my eye right down to his obvious bulge.
When he doesn’t answer, I peek down at my phone. It’s Lena telling me she’s on her way.
“I have to go,” I say tentatively, as if it’s a question, or invitation. Because, I’m seriously considering blowing off my new friend if more kissing is on the table tonight.
Reign stands suddenly though. “Yes. Of course. Go. Enjoy your new friend.”
With my heart still hammering, I reluctantly pull away.
Chapter 15
Tressa
I join Lena at the bar where she works, and we take a seat at the stools lining the rustic wooden counter. I’m not sure what I expect, but it’s not this. The place is casual and smells like pine and leather. There are a half-dozen tables scattered around the room and a moose head mounted above the bar.
“I’m so glad you could come,” Lena says, smiling brightly at me. Her pink hair brushes the tops of her shoulders. One of her front teeth is a little crooked, but somehow it only makes her even more adorable.
“Me too. Thanks for inviting me.”
“The beast can’t keep you locked awayallthe time.”
“Huh?”
“Sorry.” Lena laughs, then she gestures at herself. “Huge Disney nerd. I couldn’t help theBeauty and the Beastreference ever since you told me you work in his library.” Her eyebrows lift suggestively.
I chuckle. Reign is hardly a beast. Though his library is quite impressive.
The bartender passes by us in a flourish saying he’ll be with us in a minute.
“Don’t be a shithead, Ronnie,” she scolds him with a murderous look.
