Page 118 of Plug and Claim

Kira

They returned to Nathaniel’s bedroom in silence, neither of them acknowledging the almost-kiss, and what it might mean. Kira went to the bathroom to change and emerged in her satin pyjama set of singlet and shorts.

Nathaniel was sitting in his armchair, shirtless and wearing loose grey pants. He was reading his book.

“It doesn’t look like you’ve made much progress with your book,” she noted.

Nathaniel looked up, his expression roving over her. “No…it hasn’t quite captured my attention.”

Kira hugged herself to hide the silhouette of her peaked nipples stretching the singlet’s lustrous fabric.

“Dinner is by your mat,” Nathaniel said, returning his attention to the book.

She moved to the foot of the bed. There was a bowl of water by her mat, and a tray of food—steak, mashed potatoes, and peas. There was cutlery for her to use. She bent her head over the water bowl to drink; it was a rule Nathaniel insisted on.

“Aren’t you eating?” she asked him, sitting on the mat and pulling the tray closer.

“I already ate,” he replied without looking up from his book. “But you go on ahead. There’ll be dessert later, if you’re good.”

“If I’m good? What’s the dessert?”

Nathaniel still didn’t look at her. “Chocolate cake.”

Kira chewed a piece of steak thoughtfully but didn’t reply.

After a minute, Nathaniel lowered his book. “Do you like chocolate cake?”

Kira shrugged. “I don’t not like it. As long as it’s not dry.”

“It’s not.”

“We’ll see,” she quipped, scooping peas into her mouth. “How ‘good’ do you need me to be for this supposedly moist chocolate cake?”

His lips twitched ever so slightly. “Very good.”

She could feel him watching her, but she busied herself with her food. “Well, it better be a very good chocolate cake, then.”

When he didn’t reply, she swallowed her mouthful of food and looked up.

Nathaniel’s eyes twinkled as he held her gaze. Kira stared back, unperturbed, and after a few minutes, he returned his attention to his book.

After she had eaten, Nathaniel made her kneel at his feet on the fur rug while he read. Kira didn’t mind as much as she should have; the fireplace was burning merrily, and she soaked up its warmth. There was also something comforting about being near the vampire. She leant back so that the seat of the armchair was against her back, and Nathaniel’s leg warmed her side.

She hated to admit it but…it was nice.

She missed his warmth and presence in the brief moments when Nathaniel rose to stoke the fire. When he sat back down, she settled against him.

Her eyes flew open when she felt his hand on her head. His fingers weaved through her hair, massaging her scalp and relieving the tension there.

Sighing softly, Kira smiled and shut her eyes. Fuck it. Who was she kidding? This was nice.

Nathaniel spoke. “Why don’t you morph into a wolf, Kira? Would you not be more comfortable?”

“Why don’t you give me some chocolate cake?” she countered.

“Because, you have not yet earned it.”

To her annoyance, he removed his hand to turn a page before he resumed stroking her hair.