Page 123 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

Once she disappeared from sight, he rushed to the kitchen and set to work. Twenty minutes later, he knocked at her door. Her pulse was erratic, but not because she feared him. Not anymore. Somehow this had worked, his effort to win her over. The gradual transition had crept up on him.

He inhaled, unnecessary but grounding.

Lily opened the door wide enough to reveal her body. She leaned against the door frame, one arm extended along the door. He took in her sultry curves, fitted perfectly into that dress.”Snickerdoodle cookies?” she said, studying the tray.

“Cost of entry?”

She hummed, her hand shooting out to snatch one. He growled, which went ignored. She took a bite and let out a soft moan. “Payment accepted,” she decided, opening her beautiful blue eyes and pinning him with her smile. “On one condition.”

“And what might that be?” Everything in him tightened with anticipation.

“You’re not leaving this room without giving me what I want. Everything I want.”

He knew what she implied—where this was going. Despite what they’d discussed last night. So much for taking things slow.

And because he could deny her nothing, he said, “Very well. I accept your condition.”

“Good. That’s...good.” She stepped back.

He strode into the room and deposited the tray, noting Cinna sleeping in her crate. Lily stood in the middle of the room, finishing off the cookie. He went to her, capturing what remained and using her hand to guide the last bite into his mouth. She huffed, watching him with heated eyes.

“Mmm.” He pulled her closer as he chewed, until the press of her was everywhere. Cinnamon sugar coated her fingers. He grabbed her hand, licking her fingers clean. Her breath caught, pupils blowing wide. He gently bit the pad of her finger and she gasped. “So delicious. I could gobble you up. Speaking of which…” He dropped her hand, eyeing the collar of her dress. “Do you delight in vexing me?”

She gave him a coy smile. “You like?”

“Very much—so much that I want to peel it off and discover the treasure beneath.”

“Oh.” Her lips parted.

He did not waste another moment. He reached for her, cupping the back of her head as he brought their mouths together. The taste of cookies lingered on her tongue, mixing with the taste of her. He groaned, devouring her, kissing her the way he wanted to fuck her, thoroughly and relentlessly.

Her hands traveled over his chest, across his shoulders, to finally tangle in his hair. The feel of her touch was divine. He couldn’t wait to have her hands on his bare skin—everywhere.

He nipped at her bottom lip, then pulled back, eager to see the glazed look in her eyes. Eager to see his effect on her. She was dazed, lips swollen, breaths labored. If he didn’t stop now, he’d have her against the wall, his cock buried so deep she’d never forget the feel of him. In fact, that wasn’t a bad idea⁠—

He dropped his arms and took a giant step back.

“What…?” She blinked, her confusion evident.

“Let’s not get carried away,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Cookies are best enjoyed right out of the oven.”

“I already had one.” Her tone was petulant.

“Hot chocolate is also meant to be consumed hot.”

Her breaths slowed. Fuck. He was ready to strip that dress off now. Ready to⁠—

“Come.” He held out his hand. This was a ritual now, and he was determined to see it through each and every night. A small price to pay for his fuck-up.

“Fine.” She slipped her hand into his, letting him lead her to the sofa.

He pulled her onto his lap, then reached for her mug, ignoring his completely. He took a sip, sighing before he handed it over. It was a test of his self control, waiting for her to drink her fill. His hands roved over every part of her, relishing in the firm feel of her stomach, muscles honed from years of swimming, to the softness around her hips. He cupped her bare ankle, then slid his hand along her calf, enjoying the feel of her skin.

“Aren’t you going to have a cookie?” she asked.

“The only thing I want on my tongue tonight is you,” he murmured against her ear. “As soon as you finish that, I’m going to strip you out of this dress and devour you, starting with your cunt and ending with your blood—if you’ll allow me that.”

A small whimper left her mouth. Everything in him heated. He kissed her ear. “Finish your hot chocolate, Lily. Don’t keep me waiting.”