?I raise a brow. “Blab. . . ?” I repeat, to which she nods seriously as if she didn’t just say that dumbass word. Hmmm, I wonder which secret she’ll give me. “You’re secret’s safe with me, Trouble. So long as I get a favor in return.”
?Regret flashes across her face, but whatever next thought she has must outweigh whatever regret she will feel.
?Shifting, she rubs her arm and then glances at my open door. Smirking, I nod towards it and then walk in. I’ll let her follow me, that way she still has a chance to run if she wants. That is, until she walks in and I slam the door shut and lock it.
?“You’re mine now, Trouble,” I whisper, and in the corner of my sight I see her shiver.
?Leaning against the door, I watch her take in the place. My actual bedroom is a few rooms to the right through open double doors. This room mostly serves as my office space. Bookshelves lining the walls with my desk in front of the large bay window.
?Her eyes are still red as she exams the space. Glancing at the open double doors to the right and the closed door to the left. I’ll let her go explore them on her own if she’s curious enough, but right now I want to know my next secret.
?“Sooo. . .” she starts. Turning on her heel and crossing her arms in front of her. “Well, I actually had a question to ask you, a. . . favor of sorts.”
?Now I’m doubly intrigued, but I keep my relaxed position against the door and continue to watch her. She had come dressed in leggings that show off her lithe legs and round ass, but her long sleeve hides the rest of her body.
?Huffing a breath, she dives right in. “There’s a runic curse on me that makes me burn in the sun, but coinciding with it I can’t have skin on skin contact anywhere except my hands, feet, and neck.”
?All this I know – not that I’m telling her that.
?“I wanted to ask if you could help me. . .” She tilts her head from side to side as she winces. “. . . basically you touch me so I can get used to the pain.”
?My mind goes to the gutter and heat flames south, but I don’t move from my position.
?“You want me to. . . touch you?”
?Her jaw clenches as she gives me a dry look but her cheeks flush anyways. “Like my arms or something. I had been able to be semi immune to it after I was initially touched, but no one ever touched my skin while I was at the brothel.”
?Curious. “And why me? Why not your fated or even your bestie?”
?She shrugs it off and shakes her head. “Callahan would rather never touch me again than hurt me, and no one else knows. This is the secret I would need you to keep. Not even them at the brothel really know about it, they just think I don’t like people touching my scars.”
?Hmm. My eyes rove over her body as I contemplate it.
?“What does it feel like?”
?Her fingers trace up her arm. “Burning. It feels like burning but without the warmth. It’s only pain.”
?Our conversation weeks ago filters through my mind. When I had been leading her to Asier’s office and she said the reason she burned her hand was because she missed the warmth.
?She wanted warmth without burning. And she can’t get it from the sun or touch.
?I glance down at my shirtless chest and then nod to her. “So how do you want to do it?”
?Her brows shoot up and her eyes widen as the red fades back to a pale pink. Her aura hiding back within her blood and behind the poison.
?“Just like that?” She snaps her fingers at the same time as she says that last word. Then she eyes me with skepticism. “And what exactly do you want in return?”
?Finally pushing off the door, I slowly prowl over to her and round the side. She stays stone still as I let my chest brush against her shoulder and her scent becomes just a hairs breath stronger. I can scent distinct aromas instead of the usual sweetness I always get.
?Blue belladon. Berries and a cut of floral.
?Leaning down, I line my lips to the side of her ear and this time keep enough space between us. “For keeping your secret,” I start, even though I had already known it, “I want a blank check. I want a favor you will return when I call for it.” Her shoulders stiffen but heat cascades from her. “And for helping you. . . well I get to touch you however I want.”
?Her thighs clench together even as she glances back with dangerous eyes. Contradictions, contradictions. Her body wanting something she won’t admit – yet.
?“Deal or no deal?” I whisper.
?Her lips pull back slightly to show a hint of fang and I lick my lips wishing they were hers.
