“What?” she demanded, backing away as if she’d just come face-to-face with a dangerous bear. “Why are you looking at me as if you’re going to eat me?”
“Because I am.” He shot out his arm, clasped her nape, and flashed to his bedroom.
11
Oh, no, no, no. The Astra had a hungry gleam in his hypnotic eyes, his irises spinning faster than usual. Ophelia’s resistance was crumbling just as speedily. But. Thankfully the Dumb-Dumb switch hadn’t yet flipped. As out of control as she currently felt, she also felt in control. Far more than ever before.
Courtesy of her newfound strength? I am lioness. Hear me roar.
Shocker of shockers, she was able to think past her desire. She knew she fancied Halo, but she also knew she should wait for the stardust before she accepted his advances. The coveted powder was her only guarantee that he was worthy of the trouble he caused. That he wouldn’t bolt as soon as he won her, forcing her to pick up the pieces of a ravaged future once again.
Problem was, her attraction to him wasn’t snuffed at the moment. Oh, how she burned for him. For hours, she had watched him pretend to read while simmering with arousal. He’d seemed so absorbed by the pages of his book. So serious and intent. The way other guys often beheld the “articles” in nudie magazines. And yet Ophelia had never doubted Halo’s awareness of her. He’d clocked her every movement, tensing any time she’d shifted. The knowledge had stoked her inner fire again and again.
He clamped his fingers around the collar. When he gave a determined yank, she slammed against him. Chest to chest. Hardness to softness. A sharp spike of excitement left her trembling; she could do nothing but melt against him.
“You want me between your legs, don’t you, Elia?” His voice was made of gravel and smoke.
Shivers rocked her. That nickname on those firm, sensual lips... “I think I should get out of the bear’s cage ASAP. I’m no dummy.” Not all the time. But did she really have to sound as gravelly and smoky as him? Did so many parts of her have to tighten while a thousand others fluttered?
“Too late. The bear has you in his clutches, and he demands his honey.” He released the collar to grip her backside and lift her to her tiptoes, grinding his erection between her legs. “Give it to me.”
Aches erupted here, there, everywhere. Breathing became impossible. “Why don’t you go get honey from your concubine?”
“I told you. I ended her service. I have no concubine.”
“Yeah, but that’s just a thing guys like to say when they’re horny.” Ophelia slowly slinked her arms around his neck, an action she couldn’t prevent, no matter how hard she fought. Hoping to stay engaged in the conversation, she did not rub against him...more than a little.
Maybe she’d have better success making Halo rethink this? She just had to remember: whatever she boasted, she must follow through. Otherwise, he would never take her seriously.
Here goes. “If I let you do this,” she said, toying with the ends of his hair, “it will be as a favor to you. Because you need it. But you’ll be responsible for doing all the work. I’ve done a good job lately, and I really deserve a reward. I only hope I get to enjoy it, too. I’m really rooting for you, champ. Just don’t expect reciprocation.” She so did not need to know how incredible it felt to master his powerful body with the softest strokes of her hands.
He kneaded her backside before shifting his grip, resting the tips of his fingers against her core. Despite her leathers, she felt his heat. As she panted for more, he grumbled to himself, “If we reap what we sow, this is my harvest.” With a huff, he turned the conversation back to her. “Very well. There will be no reciprocation. I’ll take whatever I can get.”
Wait. He would? That was sooo not the response she’d expected. That he would agree to this...
A sense of vulnerability washed over Ophelia. “How can I make out with the guy who expects me to sit on the sidelines during the most important war of my life? I mean, I might be a nymph but I’m a harpy, too. Conquering is what I do. And turning down admirers. Seriously, you have no idea who I’ve rejected. Kings! Emperors!” An elderly king. A teenage emperor. Whatever. Truth was truth.
“The blessing task is mine and mine alone. But perhaps we can find a skirmish or two for you.”
Well. That was certainly a step in the right direction. Everything he was doing was a step in the right direction.
“Am I to be your secret plaything?” What happened in the time loop stayed in the time loop? “Yours to command?”