She took my hand and let me pull her from the chair.
“It’s a romance book.”
“Is it dirty?”
“Scarlett Scott usually is.”
I pulled her in and kissed her. “Maybe I’ll get some ideas. All-new ideas on how to ravish you.”
She laughed, and I felt her relax.
My plan was already working.
* * *
Ava
I woke up, blinking and warm. Once again, I was surrounded by heat and the snores of both Cash and Hunter. I had to admit, Cash was far louder. Outside was still dark, although I sensed the light would soon break through the dawn.
I had let Hunter lead me to bed last night. He’d surprised me with his offer, and I assumed a few pages into the book, he would tire of the words and decide to get physical instead. But he had helped me disrobe, kissing my skin as he uncovered it, then slipped one of his T-shirts over my head and lay on the bed, patting his bare chest. I lay on his warm torso, his arm wrapping me close as he braced the book on his bent knee and began to read. He stroked my hair as he spoke, his touch light and gentle. I felt myself relax, sinking deeper into him, my eyes shutting of their own accord, suddenly too heavy to stay open. His voice was low and rich, and he read very well. He was an excellent orator, hitting all the marks well. I couldn’t recall the last time anyone had read to me—probably my dad when I was a child—and I was shocked how much I enjoyed hearing the story out loud.
I fell asleep with his voice in my ear and his hand on my head. I slept dreamlessly until the feel of his mouth on my neck woke me, the darkness surrounding us, his hands stroking along my skin under the shirt he’d slipped over my head. Not a word passed between us as he caressed me, his mouth worshiping my skin, then settling on mine with a profound passion and need I sensed deep in my bones. I spread my hands over his bare, strong back, stroking along his spine, cupping his buttocks. I felt his erection, hard and hot, between us. I opened myself to him, letting him settle between my legs, suddenly as desperate for him as he was for me. His surge was sudden and fast, and I gasped his name, feeling the power of his possession. He gripped me, his fingers sinking into my hips as he drove into me, groaning my name and thrusting in long, steady movements. My orgasm was unexpected and swift, catching me off guard. He followed not long after, gasping and grunting, fisting my hair and shaking.
He collapsed on top of me, his breathing fast and heavy. He kissed the side of my neck and rolled away, disposing of the condom. He returned to the bed and pulled me into his arms.
“Sorry, Little Dragon. I tried to resist.”
Still reeling, I shook my head. “Resist?”
He laughed lowly. “You fell asleep, but I kept reading.” He paused. “You’re right. That Scarlett writes dirty stuff.”
I began to giggle. “You got turned on?”
“Yes. I tried to go to sleep, but you were right there. Your leg was over mine, and your hot little pussy was pressed against me. I couldn’t stop myself.”
I yawned. “I’m glad you didn’t try.”
He kissed me. “Go back to sleep. No more jumping—at least for tonight.”
I had fallen back into sleep right away.
I slipped from the bed, careful not to disturb either of them. Hunter frowned, his hand searching the air, and I shoved my still-warm pillow toward him. He buried his head in the fluffy material and fisted the edge, settling back into sleep. Cash only huffed and shut his eyes.
I gathered my clothes and used the washroom, splashing cold water on my face, then padded into the kitchen. I hesitated, unsure what to do. Stay or go. I knew yesterday had been an oddity for Hunter. He made it clear we were simply scratching the proverbial itch for each other, and I hadn’t expected yesterday at all. It had been a wonderful day, though.
Aside from my brothers.
I shook my head as I made a pot of coffee. I would have a cup then leave, sparing Hunter the need to find an excuse to ask me to do so.
I tried to ignore the flash of pain it caused me thinking of that. He was more wonderful than I expected. I loved our sparring. How he made me laugh. His silly dancing when a song came on he really liked. The strength of his arms when he pulled me in to dance with him. How it felt when he was inside me—the passion and need that shone in his beautiful eyes as we…fucked? Made love? I wasn’t sure how he’d refer to it, but I knew it was amazing.