“At least the living room’s cozy,” I say, picturing the plush pillows and soft throws I’ve already claimed. “But I will admit, the rest of it feels a little… masculine.” I decide that’s a nice way to describe it. “It needs an omega’s touch.”
“Definitely,” Charlie says, giving me that beautiful, boxy smile. “You make everything you touch better.” His dark brown eyes hold me. There’s something deep within them that makes my heart flutter.
“Autry?” Charlie whispers my name so softly, I lean in, heart pounding.
“Yes?” I look up at him, wanting so badly for him to kiss me.
“I—”
“Okay, lovelies. It’s getting late.” Myrick calls out as he strolls back into the kitchen, and I jerk back a little bit. I don’t know why. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. But for some reason, it feels rude to be this close to Charlie in front of Myrick.
I didn’t think being in a pack would feel so…complicated.
“There’s no need to wash up.” Myrick’s eyes zero in onthe sink full of dishes. “We have a cleaning service that comes every morning.”
“Seriously?” Charlie lifts his brows. “Nowthatis a rich person luxury I can get behind.”
Myrick chuckles. “I’m hopping in the shower. Charlie, need anything?”
“I’m good,” Charlie says, shaking his head. A lock of dark hair falls into his eyes, and I have to fight the urge to brush it away. He’s beautiful—soft and strong in a way that makes my stomach flutter. Not flashy, not trying—just quietly devastating.
Once Myrick disappears, I finish wiping the counters while Charlie bags the trash. He leaves it near the pantry, and Dolly scampers over to sniff it.
“That’s not yours, little lady,” I murmur, scooping her into my arms and cuddling her against my chest. She smells like lavender and clean linen. “Ready?” I ask Charlie.
He nods and falls in step beside me as we head down the hallway. The recessed lights give off a warm gold against the clean lines of the house. They cast soft shadows that make everything feel quieter, slower... more intimate.
I pause outside Charlie’s bedroom door, hesitating.
I don’t want to leave him here. I want him tangled up with me and Myrick in the main bedroom. I want to snuggle both of my sexy betas while we wait for Rhett to come home. But even though Rhett said I could touch and tease Charlie, I doubt he'd be okay with more. Not yet.
“Good night,” I whisper, stepping a little closer.
Charlie smiles shyly. But then his eyes meet mine, and the air between us shifts. It’s heavy, electric. But Charlie doesn’t move. Instead, his shoulders slump and he scratches Dolly behind the ears, before turning toward his room. “Good night.”
“Wait.” I catch his arm and pull him back. “Don’t go.” His brown eyes slide from my hand to my face.I love the way he looks at me.
“Autry,” he whispers my name, soft and husky, as I close the space between us. “We can’t.” But he’s staring at my mouth like he wants nothing more.
“Please,” I whisper, brushing my lips over his.
It’s a gentle kiss, his mouth moving over mine as his hands slip into my hair. Dolly jumps from my arms and scampers down the hall. Completely forgotten the second the clack of her nails disappears.
“Charlie,” I moan when his tongue slips along the seam of my lips. Then he deepens it.
In a rush of passion and lust, Charlie’s hands find my hips, then slide to my back, pulling me in tighter against his chest. I tug at his shirt, his hair, anything I can hold on to as he explores my mouth.
Desperate for more, I press forward, pushing my hips into his hardness. Charlie groans as I grind up against him.
“Beta,” I moan when his hand moves up my ribcage, going straight for my breasts. My nipples tingle in anticipation, and I hold my breath. But then, without warning, his hand freezes and his mouth goes stiff.
“We can’t.” He breaks the kiss, but his lips hover only a heartbeat from mine, telling me he wants nothing more. “I’m not allowed.” He swallows hard, his rich brown eyes still staring at my mouth. “Rhett told me I can’t touch you.”
I smile, slow and teasing. “I know,” I murmur, trailing a single finger down his chest. “But Rhett said I can touch you.”
Charlie blinks, stunned. Then his eyes narrow, full of frustrated heat. “That alpha is evil,” he snarls, half-joking.
I laugh, light and a little breathless, then I press a kiss tohis cheek. “Good night,” I whisper, lingering close, my lips brushing against his skin.
