Page 59 of For the Strange and Surprising

“You.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Though I’m surprised it took you this long.”

I glare at the night sky through a perfectly round hole in the center of his roof, counting to ten so I don’t snap. I have questions about today, and he’s the only one who can answer them.

Before I lose my nerve, I spin around to start my inquisition. And I immediately regret it.

A blush creeps over my cheeks as I take in his naked body. When my eyes finally reach his, the smirk on his face makes me want to scream. I didn’t allow myself the chance to really check him out earlier, which was stupid.

No. That was smart. This is stupid.

I spin on the ball of my right foot, slapping my hands over my face as I curse myself for finding him attractive. Seeing him naked at the lake was much less intimate than it is now, alone in his room.

I want to go home. I cannot afford to be sidetracked by… That.

Spiran? Why are you doing this to me?

I’m in trouble.

“You didn’t strike me as the inexperienced type earlier.” He chuckles, deep and rasping. “Do I suddenly make you nervous, Ada?”

I will not storm out of this room like my ass is on fire.

Grow a fucking backbone, Ada.

“I have plenty of experience. I just wasn’t expecting to find you standing there naked when I walked in, and I thought you might attempt some modesty.”

He laughs again, and I want to pull my hair out.

Or his.

“Stop laughing,” I demand, but my breathless command does nothing to convey how serious I am. “Put some clothes on.”

I don’t hear him move, though he’s suddenly behind me. His breath skirts across the left side of my neck, making me flex my fingers and bite my cheek to keep the shudder at bay.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“Is that really what you want me to do?” he purrs.

He fucking purrs at me like it’s his sole purpose to make me forget my name.

I mean… Shit. Make me uncomfortable.

I need to get out of here, but instead, I say, “You’re a ridiculous flirt.”

This time, I feel his chuckle vibrate against my back as much as I hear it caress my ears.

“Are you complaining?”

Yes. No. This jackass.

How is he frustrating me so quickly? It’s like he knows exactly which of my buttons to press right now. He’s not the only one, but Ecaeris pisses me off, so I don’t have to deal with being a horny bitch around him.

I rub my hands up and down my face before turning my glare to Connak. I keep my eyes firmly on his.

“This is not what made me come.”

I regret that statement as soon as it leaves my mouth.

The male population is too predictable. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about here or Earth. Mongrels and men are one and the same. But I like this one; I don’t want him to be like the rest.