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The first thing I notice is the smell. A strong wave of a musky scent I haven’t smelled in years hits me, accentuated by soft hints of vanilla and fall spices. I close my eyes and relish in the smells.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of a physical book, the scent greeting me like returning home after a long time away.
I open my eyes and look over to see Fallon watching me curiously. Smiling, I gesture for her to show the way. “Your lead, show me the best stuff.”
The same uncertainty takes over her expression even as she nods her head and trudges farther into the small shop. I follow behind her, glancing around as we make our way deeper. Rows of books line the area, organized by categories first, author names second. I note several small sections set up to nestle in and read a book. Each seat has a small adjoining table with potpourri sitting on top of the surface, no doubt where the accompanying smells are coming from.
My curiosity piques as we continue past the rows. Non-fiction, self-help, young adult. I make a note of each section we pass by.
Fallon pulls up to a stop in front of a decent sized section of books that has me raising my eyebrows. She avoids my gaze, staring holes into the floor. “So, this is, uh, the books I know.” She murmurs, gesturing with a flick of her wrist toward the books in front of us.
I step forward and run my eyes over the titles.
Unbroken, Hold Me Close, Bleed for Me, Marked by Fate
Reaching forward I run my hand over the spines, lingering on one before pulling it out and reading the cover.
Bleed for Me is a dark serial killer, captive, stalker romance. Check trigger warnings before reading.
My eyebrows shoot up higher and I peer over my shoulder at Fallon who is still avoiding me.
Trigger warnings? What the fuck is a trigger warning?
Turning my attention back to the book, I skim through the synopsis.
Paige…my life was perfect - or so I thought…walked in on my best friend and fiancé f*cking…now live in beautiful Santa Fe…terrorized by a mysterious serial killer…I seem to have caught the attention of a gorgeous but dangerous man…
What kind of books are these?
I question as I continue reading.
Mick…I don’t just murder because of a personal vendetta or any arbitrary connection…only thing you need to attract the attention of the Blood Shadow is blood…my only need until I stumble on a raven-haired goddess…have two hungers…one for blood and one for her…the hunt is on and she will be mine.
I stare at the book clutched in my hands.
The fuck did I just read? And why do I want to keep reading?
Returning the book back to the shelf, I pick up several more, reading through the blurbs on the covers. It quickly becomes apparent there is a theme.
Turning slowly toward Fallon, I hold up the novel in my hands. “Fallon?” I ask, waiting for her to meet my gaze beforecontinuing. “Are these? Do you read…smut?” I whisper the last word, glancing around to make sure no one heard me.
Her cheeks flare as she lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. “Um, yeah, mostly.” Biting her bottom lip, she fiddles with her glasses. “I don’t really have any other genres to recommend. I totally understand if you don’t want to read it. I, um…” Looking away, she mumbles, “I need to use the restroom.” Fallon darts away, leaving me standing next to the discreet porn lining the shelves beside me.
I’ve heard of adult romance books before but have never read any myself. Shaking my head, I go to put the book back and pause. Peering down, I note the discreet cover and title. If I didn’t know what was inside, I would have assumed it was just a normal innocent book. My mind whirls as an ache spreads between my legs. Maybe this could help satiate some of the need I’ve had since Killian entered my life.
Deciding it can’t hurt, I turn and head toward one of the seating areas. Settling into the comfy chair, I open the book and begin reading. By the time Fallon returns, I’m several chapters in and the ache has flared to a burning flame of need.
She notes the book in my hand and a small smile spreads across her face. “Oh that’s a good one!” She exclaims, gesturing toward my read. “Just wait till you get to the second book.” With a wink she spins around and plucks another book from the shelf, bringing it back over and shoving it into my face.
Reaching out, I cautiously grasp the offering, still in shock by the entire situation. “Thanks.” I murmur, shifting in the seat to try and ease some of the tension between my legs.
Fallon’s grin widens and her eyes shine with excitement. “I’ll leave you to it. I need to find my next read anyway.” Before I can say anything, she spins on her heel and makes her way down the expansive aisle in search of her treasure.
Shaking my head, I set the second book down on the table and open the one in my lap.
My breaths grow heavy as he peers down at me.
Finally.
