Page 31 of Touch Of Fate
“Don’t worry. I got this,” she states, smiling.
I have to jog to keep up with Rome. We move deeper into the store, and he doesn’t stop until we are beside the couch in the back corner. I look at the couch, but he turns me, pushing me back, his hand on my waist until my back hits the shelves.
“Rome,” I gasp. He cups my neck, tilting my head with his thumb on my chin, and kisses me. His other hand slides from my waist to my hip, his fingers flexing, bunching the fabric. I should be more concerned about his mom being in charge of the store. Cameron is probably confused and overwhelmed by the witches taking over.
I don’t care about anything but the sexy man kissing me and how he makes me feel. He holds me where he wants, his grip firm, yet it makes me feel safe. I grasp his waist, tangling in his shirt. I never imagined I would be kissing a man in the store, eager to let him do whatever he wants to me. His family could come back here anytime; the store isn’t huge, no matter what his mom says. My body heats, and I open further, allowing him to take the kiss deeper. I wish we were home, but I have to admit it turns me on to be in a public place. I know he wouldn’t expose me to embarrassment.
He rips his mouth from mine, the shelf shakes behind me, and the lights flicker. My breath is labored, and I gasp for breath. He stares into my eyes and slides his hand from my neck to between my breasts.
“Fuck, I love how you taste,” he whispers roughly. His eyes drop to his hand. “I could barely control myself yesterday. Seeing you in this…” He shakes his head. “Impossible.” My breasts swell as his fingers graze them. “If we were anywhere else, I would peel the fabric away and suck.” My legs shake. “Lick.” My mouth parts. “I would bend you over the couch and flip up your dress.” He drops his head and drags his nose upmy neck. “You smell like you belong to me.” I pant, my heart forgetting to beat.
“I—” I lick my lips. “I do.” Maybe it’s our magic, but I want to belong to him.
“Umm…” Margarete’s voice comes from somewhere behind us. “So sorry. Really sorry.” Rome's jaw ticks, and his hands slide away as he turns. His mom inches forward, her eyes shut, and her arms straight in front of her. “I guess I don’t have it. I think I broke the machine. It’s much different than when I used to work.”
“When are you going home?” Rome grits out.
“Son,” she gasps.
“I’ll be right there,” I say quickly. I press my hand to my stomach, hoping to calm my need. She stumbles back and twirls around when she hits a bookcase before speed-walking away. I look at Rome. He’s staring at the ceiling, his eyes closed. “Rome,” I whisper, taking a step.
“I need a minute,” he growls, and I look down.
“Right,” I mumble and can feel the heat in my cheeks. I fold my hands behind my back. “Will it be a long minute?” I ask, leaning forward. His gaze blazes as he straightens. “Sorry.” I laugh. “It’s not funny.” I cough. He narrows his eyes, and I speed past him, jogging as his arms shoot out. I laugh louder when his hand barely touches my skirt, and I move sideways, evading him. He catches me when we reach the end of the aisle, and he lifts me. My back hits his chest, and I laugh harder.
“Mara?” Lace asks, and I turn my twinkling eyes her way. “You’re laughing.” She is standing in the doorway, her gloved hands lifted, her gaze filled with wonder.
“Your laugh makes me hard too,” Rome whispers in my ear before setting me down. I swallow and look around. Everyone is smiling, except Cameron.
“I would like to check out,” he grumbles, glaring at Rome.
“I’ll do it.” Lace whips off her gloves, hurrying behind the counter.
“Damn, darlin’.” I look at the bare-chested man leaning against the door jamb to Lace’s section. “You got your laugh back.” I grasp Rome's shirt as he takes a step toward him, his expression murderous.
“Rome, this is Gavin.” He is Lace’s contact and has been here many times. His skin is almost covered. He’s a leopard shifter. “He’s a regular.”
“Rome.” Gavin nods, and Rome barely nods back.
“Have a good day, Cameron,” Lace says, and I look at him. His eyes meet mine, and I see something I have never seen before: anger.
“Bye, now,” Adeline says brightly, wiggling her fingers, looking at him expectantly. He turns and stalks quickly out the door.
“He’s got it bad,” Gavin says.
“We didn’t ask you,” Lace lectures, stomping toward him.
“Why are you mad at me?” he asks.
“I’m not,” she snaps. “Why did you leave your chair?” She stops in front of him.
“Same reason you did.” He frowns. “I heard Mara laugh.” I close my eyes. “It’s beautiful. You should do it more.”
“Careful,” Rome hisses, and I open my eyes and step in front of him.
“So it’s like that,” Gavin mutters. “I’m not a threat.”
“Good.” Rome wraps his arm around my waist.
