Page 114 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

It also made me bold, giving me a boost of confidence.

I placed my hands on his chest, leaning in to nip at his lips. He hummed, holding still. I did it again, then smiled. He was letting me lead, and leading felt like the most indulgent treat. I went in for the kill, kissing him in earnest. I pressed my tongue against his mouth and relished in the way he opened for me. I stroked and licked, exploring his mouth. His fangs began to grow, making me hungrier.

“Lily,” he warned, his voice rumbling. His hand squeezed the back of my neck, holding me in place. “You’re not making this easy for me.”

“I’m not?” I innocently tilted my head, then rolled my hips, pressing myself more firmly against his hard length. This time he growled. “You told me to come to you for my pleasure. I distinctly remember you being very...insistent about it.”

It had only been earlier that day, after all.

He huffed. “Yes, but⁠—“

“But, what?”

“I had intended to take things slowly. I… I made a grave mistake that hurt you deeply.”

“You did…”

“So, how can you desire sex with me? To make yourself vulnerable in such a way?” His jaw ticked. I caught the flash of something raw in his eyes—want warring with guilt. “It’s only my blood making you like this. I… We will take this slow.”

“Fine, but there are other things to enjoy before jumping straight into sex.”

A wicked grin accompanied a rumbling chuckle. “You think to school me in the ways of pleasure, little flower?”

“Well, if you’re going to be stupid about it.”

“You naughty little siren.” His grip on me tightened, holding me in place while his free hand slipped between us, between my legs. I gasped as his thumb pressed firmly against my clit. “You want to play? Let’s play,” he said, moving his thumb in teasing circles. He watched me. Watched in a way that built me up, making me feel bold and beautiful. “I want to hear those sweet little sounds you make when you’re coming.”

My core turned molten. I rocked my hips, dragging my center against him, against the delicious ridge in his pants. It wasn’t enough—this wasn’t—I needed⁠—

“More,” I demanded. “If you’re responsible for my pleasure, then do your job.”

He barked a surprised laugh. “I do love when you boss me about. All right. Up.” He took my hips and lifted me off him, then reached for my leggings. His fingers hesitated briefly, waiting for me to stop him. I didn’t, and he slowly slid them down.

My lower lip caught between my teeth.

He stared at me, eyes fixed not at the curls just visible between my thighs, but at the witch brand. Heat flooded my cheeks—not the good kind from desire, but the burning shame of being marked, branded like cattle. The ugly reminder of what I’d endured because of him. I almost reached for the waistband of my leggings. Almost succumbed to the urge to cover myself.

“Lily,” he rasped.

“What?” I whispered.

“When you get embarrassed, your scent changes.” He glanced up at me, holding my gaze. “It turns…murky. Please, you have nothing to be embarrassed of. This was my failing, not yours.” As if he couldn’t help it, his eyes returned to the mark, glaring at it offensively.

“I forgot to shave,” I blurted, reaching for the first random thought.

He blinked, seeming to come back to himself. “I don’t care. Come here.” He pulled me onto his lap. It was a vulnerable position. He was clothed but I was naked from the waist down.

None of that mattered the second his hand slipped between my legs. He found my slick folds and groaned. The sound made my belly swoop. “Astonishing, little flower. You are dripping for me.” The rough edge of his words made me shiver, which turned to trembling as he stroked his fingers along my slit. He massaged and teased. He split me wide, but didn’t enter.

A complaint rose in my throat. I bucked my hips, searching for relief. He laughed, his voice low and rasping, but held me in place with one arm banded around my waist, his face buried in my neck.

Was he going to bite me? The thrill of not knowing heightened everything.

I lowered my head until my nose pressed into the silky strands of his moonlight hair. Was I allowed to touch him? His hair was braided down the back of his head. I sank my fingers into it and groaned. It was so soft.

His fingers dipped into my opening, first one, then two. My lips parted as he filled me, stretching me in the most delicious way. I rocked my hips, feeling the press of him everywhere. The room blurred as his warm palm pressed against my clit, grinding circles over it.

“Oh, God,” I breathed.