Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
His smile slowly faded into a more contemplative expression as he gazed down at me intently. “You’ve only called me that once before.”
“And now twice,” I replied softly, a seriousness edging into my voice. “Platonic or otherwise, you’re basically one half of my genetic make-up at this point.”
The moment hung between us, rich and heavy, like the calm before a storm. I could feel the potential, the possibility, but I wasn’t one to dive headfirst without scanning the waters.
So, with a sigh that was half reluctance and half anticipation, I rolled off the bed and stretched my limbs luxuriously.
“Time for a quick freshen-up,” I announced, turning towards the bathroom. The mood had shifted, and I was aware of every inch of space he filled. I wasn’t scared—never that. Excited, thrilled, maybe even a little eager. But if there was one thing Kennedy Vetis didn’t do, it was rush.
She savored.
And first thing first, a girl had to wash up.
Chapter Nine
I had no choice but to lower my standards and go the old whore’s bath route to get myself together. My under garments got the same treatment. Going commando for the remainder of Judicium wasn’t on my agenda, and there was no way in hell I was recycling underwear. Lowering standards didn’t equate to casting them away entirely. So, after a quick wash, I cast a wistful glance at the shower and then, with a resigned sigh, slipped out of my boots and gathered them up before going back to the main room, keeping my knife close.
I paused, taking in the sight before me. Hael lay sprawled on his back, one hand behind his head, his shirt riding up just enough to reveal a hint of sculpted abs that looked as tempting as the first slice of a freshly baked cake. His gaze was fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. It was a sight for sure, one that almost had me clenching my thighs.
I dropped my boots to the floor with a soft thud, capturing his attention. Seizing the moment, I crossed the room in a few swift steps and straddled his lap. His reaction was immediate; his arm wrapped securely around me, a gesture that tethered me close, both protective and possessive.
“Ensuring I don’t fall?” I teased, my voice a playful murmur.
“Or escape.”
I leaned in closer, our faces inches apart, the atmosphere charged with an intimate tension. “Escape? From you?” I whispered, our breaths mingling. “Never.”
As we locked eyes, a part of my mind raced. I scanned the room discreetly, searching for the hidden cameras I knew had to be there—my brothers might be watching, and I needed to give them some kind of heads-up before they saw more than they bargained for and all the men in my family lost their shit. I wanted to control the narrative, even in a place as controlled as this.
“Bet you didn’t imagine this would happen here,” I added for their benefit, giving Hael all my attention.
He pulled me closer, his grip tightening.
“But I have imagined it,” he confessed, his voice a low rumble that sent a wave of warmth cascading through me.
The way he felt pressed against me was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of desire as he held me tighter, his hard cock pressing against my pussy, separated by only a few layers of clothing. My body responded instinctively, each point of contact like a spark. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed closer, biting back a grin when his muscles tensed. He leaned in as if to kiss me, and I brought my hands up, gently placing them over his mouth with a tut.
“You’ll have to be quick.”
“I can do that.” He nipped my skin and pulled my hands down. “And rough.”
“My brothers might make you a eunuch for that,” I cautioned playfully.
His smile turned wolfish.
“At least you could still sit on my tongue.” He pulled me close again. “But they’ve already given me their blessing.”
That stopped me in my tracks. His words, so assured and daring, sliced through our flirtatious banter. A mix of shock and excitement fluttered through me. Their blessing? That was a twist. Leaning in, my curiosity piqued, my voice dropped to a sultry murmur.
“Really? Well, that changes everything, doesn’t it?”
The air between us charged with the revelation, deepening our already potent connection. As his hands settled more firmly around me, a thrill zipped through my veins, tinged with the ever-present awareness that any second now, the Judicium could wrench us back into murderous chaos.
This precarious edge between danger and desire sharpened every sensation, every breath I drew.
The risk of being interrupted didn’t deter me; if anything, it amplified the rush. The thought twisted a delicious knot deeper into my core, the danger and the unknown threading through my excitement like a live wire that had an ache growing between my legs. Was it reckless? Probably. Did it make this moment any less potent? Nope.