Page 51 of Gilded Gods

“Where can I put my hands?”

I wanted her from the moment we met. So I’ll follow her rules if it leads to me getting a happy ending.

She clutches my wrist and uses my fingers to peel back her panties. “You can touch me here.” My sexy girl moans when I drag my finger up her wet slit. Then she grabs my other hand, shoves down her tank top, and covers her tit. “And here.”

“I like where this is headed.” I roll my thumb over her nipple. “Where else?”

“That’s it.”

I move my hand to her cheek. “How about here?”

“Yeah, okay,” she whispers.

I slid my thumb across her lips. “And here?”

“Yes.”

I sit up so I can get closer to her lips. “Can I kiss you?” I can’t see her face in the dark, but her hair whacks me when she shakes her head. “Why so many rules, little dragon?”

“Because I don’t want you to hurt me.”

I sink back to the mattress, deflated by her response. “I won’t.”

Why does everyone think the worst of me? They look at my ink and think I’m a thug. Combine that with my reputation on the streets, and I’m lucky if I can get anyone to take me seriously.

If not for Apollo, with his pretty boy exterior and fancy Yale degree, I never would have gotten a lease on my building. Akropolis wouldn’t even exist without his intervention.

“I can’t risk it, Ares.” Her words are pained, like it’s killing her to say them. “You live in the room next to mine. We’re going to be family. What we’re doing is wrong. I shouldn’t even be in here.”

“Says who?” I trail my hand up the right side of her body and pinch her nipple. “I’m not related to you. Our parents fucking don’t change a damn thing.”

Her fingers skim over the hard planes of my abdomen, and when she hits a tender spot, I hiss. “Oh, Ares. Did I hurt you? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, babe,” I grunt when she accidentally hits the same spot again. “Just peachy.”

She slides off me, but her face is dangerously close to mine. I want to kiss her. But she has so many damn rules.

“What happened to you? Are you hurt?”

“Turn on the light, and I’ll show you.”

“But,” she says with a hint of hesitation. “I’m only wearing a bra and panties.”

“So? I don’t see the problem. If you can’t tell, I’m naked.” I roll onto my side to face her. “I’m not shy. Turn on the light.”

“I like us better in the dark. This is the only time I feel comfortable letting you touch me.”

What the fuck?

I know I’m a dick, but I haven’t been that much of an asshole. She likes us better in the dark? Her words sting.

“I don’t understand, babe.” I cup her cheek, stroking her jaw with my thumb. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours? You’re acting a little crazy. Normally, I love your brand of crazy because it suits mine. But something is up with you.”

“I don’t want you to see me naked,” she admits as a shudder rips through her.

I recall what Apollo said about her feeling self-conscious about her weight. He would know what to say. So would Atlas, but in his own way. He’d probably draw his thoughts on paper for her. My brothers are better at understanding people than me.

“We can keep the lights out,” I tell her, and she releases a relieved breath. “But can I touch you?”

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