“Does it hurt a lot, baby?”he rumbled.
“Not yet.”Shelooked down at herself, feeling suddenly self-conscious.“It’sjust strange, that’s all.”
Severin’s gaze softened.
“The serum is likely beginning to stimulate the breast tissue.Dr.Verityxsaid the first aches might start quickly.”
“Dr.Verityxsaid a lot of things,”Cassiemuttered.“Mostof them terrifying.”
Ravik reached for her, then stopped himself.Hishand hovered above her blanket-covered thigh for a moment before he drew it back.Cassiesaw the movement and felt a little pang in her chest.Hewanted to touch her, but he was still holding himself apart, still trying to keep some invisible line between himself andSeverinand whatever they were all becoming.
She hated that line—she also understood that it scared him.
“Ravik,” she said softly.
His golden eyes came to hers at once.
“You can touch me,”Cassietold him.“Imean, if you want to.Iknow everything is weird and scary and medically ridiculous right now, butIdon’t want you holding back from me likeI’mradioactive.”
“Well, youareinfected with a dangerous virus,”Severinpointed out.
Cassie turned her head and gave him a look.
“Nothelping.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, showing his fangs.
“Sorry.”
Ravik’s big hand settled carefully on her thigh over the blanket.Thewarmth of him seeped through the fabric, andCassiefelt some of the trembling in her body ease.Asecond later,Severinreached for her hand on the other side and laced his long fingers through hers.
The relief was immediate.
Cassie closed her eyes and took a deeper breath than she had managed since the injection.
“Oh,” she whispered.“Thathelps.Havingboth of you touching me at the same time feels sogood.”
Neither male spoke for a moment, thenSeverin’sthumb stroked over her knuckles.
“Do you need us closer?”he asked.
The question was quiet and careful andCassieunderstood it wasn’t meant only for her.
Ravik’s fingers tightened on her thigh, but he didn’t pull away.
She looked at them both.
“Yes,I’mtoo dizzy and everything is too much.Ijust need both of you near me.Please.”
Ravik looked atSeverin.Itwasn’t a friendly look but it wasn’t filled with hate or fear or anger either.
“Cassie needs us both,” he rumbled.
“Yes,”Severinsaid quietly.“Shedoes.”Helooked at her.“Whatdo you need, sweetheart?Doyou need to drink our cream again?”
Cassie thought about it…and shook her head.
“No, it’s not the thirst that’s bothering me—it’s the emptiness,” she admitted.“Ineed…”Hercheeks burned with embarrassment but she reminded herself they were doing this for science.“IthinkIneed to be filled,” she said at last.“Youknow…down there.”Andshe nodded to the place between her legs where her pussy was throbbing with need.
