Page 37 of Bad Behavior

I gasp when he leaves my mouth, gripping my head and turning it to expose the supple column of my neck. I can feel the power he holds back, palpable and obvious. I get goosebumps again as I realize that finally, I am under his thrall.

His hand leaves my face, cupping my breast instead. I moan a little at his touch, arching my back.

More, I need more.

Then his kiss slows just before he reaches my collarbone, grinding to a halt. He leans his forehead against mine, his eyes closed, his breath coming in silent gasps.

I open my eyes, and he opens his. I see that combination of lust and longing there again, but this time he pushes me away.

“No,” he whispers, his voice hoarse. “No, this isn’t right.”

He shoves me off of him, standing up. I look up at him, confused and speechless. He shakes his head.

“We can’t. Asher would never understand. If he found out, and I lost my best friend…” He looks tortured. “I can’t let that happen. Especially not now, when you’re high as a fucking kite. Jesus.” He takes a couple steps back. “What the fuck is wrong with me?”

I find my words. “Nothing is wrong with you. You’re attracted to me. I’m attracted to you. It’s like… meant to be.”

Jameson won’t hear it, though.

“No,” he says, shaking his head again. “This can’t happen. This didn’t happen, as far as either of us knows.”

“But, Jameson—” I start to protest. But it’s too late. He’s turned to steel.

“I’m going to sit in the kitchen.” He starts moving toward my door.

“Wait, let’s just talk—”

He looks at me. “This? This… weird thing that’s between us, whatever it is? It cannot happen. It can never happen, understand?”

I scowl at him. “But why? Why do you resist something that you so clearly want?”

“Ask your brother. He’s the one that makes all the rules in our kingdom.”

And then he walks out the bedroom door. Leaving me bewildered, high as hell, and on the verge of tears.

I was so close to getting what I wanted. I could touch him, taste him, smell him.

What will it take to break him? I wonder.

I lie back on the bed, plotting and planning on how I can find out.

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