Page 23 of Roar Letter Word

Mahes loved how excited she seemed every time she tried something new. Her whole face lit up with her enthusiasm, and it sparked something in his chest every time. It was like the feeling he had when he got to stretch out in the sun by the pool, but somehow bigger and more meaningful. The way her eyes sparkled didn’t hurt either.

He wanted to spend the week showing her everything he could think of just to drink in every expression on her beautiful face.

“You’re right,” Mahes said. “The other food isn’t making this harder to eat. What a remarkable and dangerous discovery.”

“That’s pretty much how we humans feel about it, too.”

“You’re a fascinating species,” he said. “Speaking of which, I believe the two of us have unfinished business.”

“You mean …”

“Exactly. From the pool.”

He willed himself to remain calm, but even thinking about their time in the water set him ablaze. He looked over her body again. Every curve was soft and smooth, and he loved following them with his eyes. She had to be aware of the effect her body was having on him, surely?

The way she grinned sheepishly and her face flushed red told him she was. Not only that, it told him that he was hopefully having the same effect on her. The lion in him purred at the thought.

“Let’s head home,” she said.

“My thoughts exactly.”

Without a pause, he stood and walked for the door.

“Wait a second,” she said. “Aren’t we going to pay? Or …”

“They know who I am,” Mahes answered. “If they need money, they bill me. Just one of the benefits of being king.”But he made a mental note to praise the restaurant and its people when possible. That would bring the establishment more money than his one meal would.

“Not bad,” she muttered, following him out of the restaurant.

They both stepped into the back seat of the car.

“Home,” Mahes told the driver. Then, he began to run his fingers through her hair.

She paused for a second, but he did not stop his ministrations. To be honest, he wasn’t sure he could stop touching her now if the car burst into flames. Then she pulled him toward her, and his whole body heated as though maybe there really was a fire nearby.

“Careful now,” he reminded her. “My chauffeur is still watching.”

The chauffeur glanced awkwardly in the mirror. Clearly, he didn’t know what to do about this situation. Mahes made another mental note to give him a big tip later. Though Mahes had been with plenty of women, he had never been quite so … exuberant with one before.

“Don’t worry,” she told him. “We won’t do anything weird.”Addie rested her head on his chest.

With one hand, he gently pressed her against himself.With the other, he explored her back.

His fingers traced circles and loops from her shoulders down to her hips. His touch was careful and attentive but also bold and daring. He could tell his touches were having an impact on her. He could clearly read her every reaction in the way she stiffened and breathed against him in the seat.

He tipped her head back and looked into her eyes.

“You’re very good to touch,” he whispered to her.

They were just about to touch when the car came to a halt.

“We’re home, sir,” said the chauffeur.

“Thank you,” Mahes told him, instantly shifting gears. “And sorry about this trip. I’ll make sure you get a good bonus for it.”

She stepped out of the car, and without even asking, Mahes led her into the house, up the stairs, and to his bedroom.

Like all of his rooms, it was magnificent. One whole wall was made of windows looking out over the ocean. The bed was gigantic with silky red sheets. Though his bed was always ornately decorated, he was pleased to see he had the red sheets today. Various other bits of furniture and technology were arranged tastefully around the room.

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