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Seeing River walk around the corner caused my heart to skip a beat. I’ve never had a man defend me. River’s calm demeanor got me through the awkward visit.
He’s watching me and waiting for an argument. He’s hoping for one.
“I smell like French toast?” I ask.
“Yes, every human and shifter has a scent. You smell like French toast,” he smirks.
“How long were you outside?”
“I don’t keep track of time, cupcake,” he says. He sits on the corner of the table, twisting around, and snatches another cookie.
“Of course you don’t,” I exhale harshly, rubbing my head. “Why did you follow me?”
“You are my mate. You run; I chase.”
“Seriously? That’s your reasoning?” I should shove him out the door, but despite his stalking tendencies, I’m tempted. As much as I deny it, I’ve always wanted to be pursued. I want him, despite my head telling me to shut this down before it is too late to.
“Yep, these cookies are super yummy,” he says, licking his fingers.
“I’m glad you are enjoying them,” I say dryly. “What do you expect out of this?” I motion between us.
“Long walks on the beach. Lots of food. Partner for life. Babies. Lots and lots of babies.” He takes a step towards me with every expectation.
“River, I’m serious. What if I don’t want any of this?” I ask.
“I’ll be good at convincing you,” he murmurs. “You want serious answers?”
“Yeah, that would be great.”
“I want you to be ours. I want you to love Kerian because he needs it. I would love for you to like me just a little. I want to fuck you day and night. Just imagining you between us gives me a hard-on. Even watching you with Kerian would be exciting. I want to take care of you. I’m kind of nuts, but I could use that and kill anyone that messes with you.” He takes advantage of my confusion and slips closer. “I would worship at your feet if you cooked me a meal once in a while.” He drags his fingers over my neck, softly caressing. “I want to mark you. Bite you everywhere,” he whispers.
He slowly lowers his head, giving me time to pull back. He groans as his lips connect with mine. Kerian was forceful when he kissed me. He acted like he wanted to eat me.
River makes love to my mouth. Soft. Subtle. Slow. Licking and sucking, savoring. His hands pull me even closer. He massages my hips before sliding to my ass, his fingers teasing the seam of my jeans, grabbing on and showing me how hard he is. I groan into his mouth and run my hands over his neck, encouraging him.
He picks up my subtle hint and switches gears. He picks me up with his hands under my thighs, spreading them to welcome his hips. He spins us around and sets me on the table, rips his mouth from mine, and pushes me to my back. He growls and runs his hand from my neck down the center of my body before he rests his hand low on my hip, squeezing slightly.
“I can be anything you want,” he says, rough. “I can go slow and worship you, or I can go fast, dirty and hot, and still worship you.” He jerks on the waistband of my jeans, giving me a taste of his calloused fingers on my bare skin. “I would own you.”
That’s what terrifies me.
I scramble off the table, catching him off guard as I push him back. “No, no one can own me,” I say, desperate. I want to ask him why he doesn’t think he deserves love. Or, why he thinks so little of himself, but I don’t—he’s not the only one protecting himself. I’m curious, but I force the words down.
“Why does your brother want you to marry a man of his choosing?” He resumes his seat on the table as if nothing happened.
“It’s his mentor. He has expectations for me that I have never agreed with,” I answer truthfully. I snap my mouth shut. I feel a pull toward him and Kerian. I have to stop myself from revealing more.
“What can you never forgive him for?” he asks.
“Alright, just because I have this ridiculous attraction to you doesn’t mean you deserve my life story. We may be compatible sexually, but this is real life. My life. I choose who I sleep with and spend time with. I might go there with you, but I will never tell you that,” I say firmly.
“You should know something about me.” He moves toward me until I have to look up at him. “When I want something, whether it’s a sandwich, car, cookie, or a woman, I don’t stop until it’s mine. I’m a determined man. You are my mate, and you will be underneath me soon. I will learn all your secrets. If you are worried I will run because of them, you are wrong. My secrets will horrify you. If I’m willing to take the chance, why aren’t you?”
He touches the tip of my nose, smiles, and walks out the front door.
I stare at the front door, torn between being grateful he left and running after him to beg him to finish what we started.
Instead, I drop weakly onto the couch. Jesus, he’s potent.
