Page 193 of Deadfall

I trailed off when I noticed Griffin had first attempted to hide his amusement, but then a stormy look crossed his face.

“I knew it, you’re not happy about it, I’m—”

“Don’t you dare say it,” he growled.

“What?”

He caged me in against the counter, but I didn’t feel trapped, just the center of attention. His eyes grew serious.

“This is because of that asshole, isn’t it?” He asked, but continued without waiting for an answer. “I want to make something very clear. I’m not the best communicator, sure, but I’ll never fail to communicate because I’m being petty.” He slowly slid his gaze down my body. Nothing slipped his notice. Not the way I still tensely held the towel to my chest, or the way I studied his face for every single micro expression I could find to determine the truth behind his words. His eyes met mine again with determination, and so much love the vastness was astonishing.

“You can have us both, baby,” he said. “Or at least, I hope that’s what you decide, but if you do feel the need to choose one, that’s fine too. I mean, it wouldn’t be ideal, but we’d figure it out. All we want is for you to be happy—” He’d started to ramble and it was adorable; a slow smile tugged at my lips. “Basically, you can have whatever you want. But, you should probably tell us sooner rather than later, because he’ll be coming up here—” His hand slowly loosened the fist that held the towel closed. “And I have plans for you.”

He peeled each finger away until it was only his hand that held the towel together.

He looked back up. “And if you just want Seven, I’ll understand,” he said. “I’ll be sad, but I’ll respect it. Or, if you just want me, that’s okay too—”

I put my finger against his lips. “For someone who says he’s so bad at communicating, you sure talk a lot.”

Griffin smiled. “Get used to it, gorgeous. I don’t ever want you tied up in your head like you were a moment ago.”

I think I loved him. The thought should have been scary, but instead it sent a thrill of anticipation and exhilaration through my blood. I settled both hands behind me on the edge of the counter.

“So these plans—care to share what they are?”

He let go of the towel and it whispered down my body and puddled at my feet.

“It’s more of a show, versus tell, demonstration.” He leaned in and licked a bead of water on my collarbone. His tongue dragged up the center of my neck, and I tilted my head back to give him access. Griffin pulled back an inch and his hand replaced his tongue. His fingers curled around my throat, and his breath coasted across my lips.

“I want to taste every inch of you,” he whispered.

I couldn’t speak. My breathing was ragged as he stared with an intensity that made me want to melt in a puddle at his feet. In fact, if I wasn’t holding onto the counter I probably would have done just that.

“Is that okay?” His nose brushed mine.

“Yes.”

I slid my lips across his and sealed my decision with heat, and tongue, and a fire that burst between us. Where kissing Seven was passionate and playful, Griffin’s kiss was all consuming. I couldn’t get enough. My hands ran up his chest and around his neck, as I pressed my body closer and swallowed his groan when our hips collided. He pulled his hand from my neck and dragged both down my sides and around to cup my ass. He squeezed and held me against him, and my own whimper of desire was captured by his tongue.

Griffin ran his hands down the backs of my thighs, and then I was lifted into the air and into his arms. I nipped his lip and our tongues tangled, as he carried me into the bedroom and dropped me onto the bed. He held himself above me, and I snaked my hands under his shirt and dragged the fabric up in a silent request to remove it.

He pulled it over his head and tossed it. Smooth, hard muscle bunched under my fingers as I ran them lightly across his arms and chest. When I traced his abs, they bunched and he inhaled sharply and breathlessly against my mouth. His sounds were everything, and I wanted them all. My hands found the tops of his jeans and I fumbled with the button, but he tore his lips from mine and shook his head.

“Not yet,” he said, his voice a gravely rasp.

I frowned. I was tired of waiting. I wanted him to fuck me. He trailed kisses down my neck and across my chest where his lips closed around my nipple. I inhaled sharply and when he sucked gently, it grew hard. I sighed in pleasure. My hands dug into his hair as I let him lick, and suck, and roll, until my breaths turned to shallow pants. He moved to the other side and repeated the process, until there was nothing but an ache between my legs. I needed him. Desperately.

I tried to pull him up, but instead he dipped lower, his lips grazed across my belly. Griffin settled between my legs and gently pushed my thighs wider. He ran his thumbs between the crease of my thighs and I nearly lost my mind.

“You’re soaking already,” he said. “So beautiful.”

He lightly ran his finger down my center and stuck his finger into his mouth. Something between a growl and a groan escaped him as he tasted me. His eyes went black, and I never knew something like that could be so fucking hot.

“What—what are you doing?” I gasped.

“I’m tasting you,” he said. “Like I said.”

“I’ve, uh, never—” My face heated as I fisted the covers, suddenly nervous.