Page 16 of Hers to Call
“And if I want your feelings?” Simon tilted her chin towards him and held his breath for her answer.
She closed her eyes. “I’m not fit to be anything you need.”
“How do you know what my needs are, baby?”
“Shifters have two modes, one-night stands or mating, I can’t be your mate.”
He released her chin and propped up his head to get a better look at her. “And you know shifters’ sexual habits how?” His voice had gone deep as jealousy aroused his bear.
“I read about it.” She looked away.
“So, you’re basing what we could have, to what, an article you read?”
She blew out an impatient breath. “That’s not what I meant.”
“What would you do if I told you, you were my mate?”
He trailed his fingers down the side of her body, pushing beneath the t-shirt she still wore. His cock twitched, the feel of her soft skin rousing a body part that would be useless for at least another few minutes. There was plenty that could be done until his dick decided it was ready for round two, though. He licked his lips in anticipation.
She sighed, putting a hand to his forehead as he dipped to lick at her collar. “I don’t know that I’m ready for that.”
Round two or the mating?His bear didn’t much care to clarify, wanting another taste of her. Simon pushed down the V of her t-shirt, hoping to free a nipple.
“Simon,” Calita growled. “Focus.”
He shook the lust clear and fought to concentrate on his mate.What were they talking about again? Oh…yeah...
“What if I amended my earlier offer to you?”
Her body stiffened. “In what way?”
“Same offer, complete control to you, but instead of no strings, you give me time to convince you that we belong together.”
“That’s…” She paused and studied his face. “Belong together? That’s a huge step past no strings attached.”
He pulled her hand up and kissed her fingertips. “I’m not letting you go, Calita.”
Her heart sped up and the acrid smell of fear permeated the air. Her eyes widened and she jerked back, her body stiffening as she rolled onto her back.
“I don’t mean…calm down, baby. I simply meant, I don’t want to give up what we could have.” He rolled over her and braced his hands on either side of her face. It took only a millisecond to realize that caging her in was a wrong move. Panic had her eyes wide and her scent sharp with anxiety. His bear whined in response.
He sat up, bringing her with him. “Breathe with me, Cali.” He pulled her gaze to his eyes, and breathed deep, soon she was breathing with him, their heartbeats matching as was right for his mate. His bear’s magic wrapped around her, settling her further.
“When I told you I would give you control, I meant it. You’re the only person on this planet who has total control over me. I’m sorry if I rushed this, I got a little worked up thinking about you.” He studied her eyes, and saw the moment she realized what he said.
“I don’t know, Simon.”
“I’m not asking you for anything other than what we talked about. Remember?” He rubbed his cheek in the crook of her neck, marking her with his scent to hopefully calm her.
“Yes,” she whispered.
He kissed her, this time plunging his tongue into her mouth to get one final taste of her before he left. “I’m going to go, let you rest. Give you back your safe space, yes?”
Tears shone in her eyes as she nodded.
“I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“It’s okay,” she whispered.
