Bitter Truths (Crimson Falls Duet 2)

“What is going on here? What are we celebrating?” he asks as I settle in beside him.

I pick up my glass and hold it there. “I’ve finalized the details for my media start-up,” I tell him. “And I’ve spoken to Aelin, she’s willing to do the running around for the first year or two. I will, if I need to, take the twins with me, but she said she’s more than capable of helping me every step of the way.”

His smile brightens the darkness that’s always on his face. There’s something handsome about it, about the danger he exudes. And it has me needy for him twenty-four seven. But the way he’s looking at me right now has my stomach tumbling.

“I’m proud of you,” he tells me, his voice gentle, deep and commanding. “You’ve grown a lot since the moment we met. You’ve become more yourself than you were then. Stronger, feistier,” he says, a smile tilting his lips seductively. “And I’ve gotten you a gift, to show you just how proud I am of you.”

Lycan reaches into his pocket. His eyes locked on mine, holding me hostage as he hands me a set of keys. There’s a little heart-shaped locket on it, and attached to the silver keyring, is a card which shimmers under the candlelight.

On the front is my name, Scarlett Shaw, with my job title below, CEO – S. Shaw Media. The lettering done in gold, against the black background of the card makes the wording pop. Running along the bottom of the business card is my cell phone number, along with an email address and website.

“This…” Words fail me as I try to fathom what he’s done. “Where do the keys go?” I flick my gaze between my husband and the gift in my hand.

“They’re offices in the Shaw building in New York, top floor beside mine.” There’s a hint of satisfaction on his handsome face. One that makes every inch of my body burn with the need to kiss him, to climb into his lap and forget about dinner.

“You got me offices even though I won’t be there?”

“We’ll visit before you give birth, and the twins will be able to travel afterward, so there’s no need for you not to go to the office.” He takes my hand in his. “I wanted you to have the career you always dreamed of, but I couldn’t have you too far from me, so you’ll have to live with working next door to your husband.” He winks, and my heart catapults wildly in my chest.

This man.

“I think I can deal with that,” I tease, but I’m already moving, sliding into his lap, into his arms, and my lips find his easily as I enjoy the softness of his mouth against mine. This is my life, my future, and I doubt I could be happier. “Oh!”

Lycan’s eyes widen in fear and shock when I cry out, but it’s only a kick against my stomach. Taking his hand, I place it on my swollen belly, allowing him to feel the movement which has pride shining in those perfectly gentle green eyes.

The eyes I fell in love with. And the eyes I want to look into every day for the rest of my life. “Am I dreaming?” I ask, laying my head on his shoulder.

“No. This is the fairy tale you’ve been dreaming of all your life, little red,” he taunts, pressing soft kisses to my cheeks, mouth, ear. He even tugs at my long hair as I nestle into his warmth.

“Mmm, I don’t think Red Riding Hood actually marries the wolf,” I tell him, as I recall the ending of the story.

“Well, don’t you think it’s time to rewrite the story?” Lycan whispers along my cheek. His lips grasp my ear, and he bites down hard on the sensitive lobe, sending heat coursing through my body, pooling between my thighs.

“I think that sounds like a good idea, Mr. Shaw,” I tell him, turning to look at the man I love. “Now, you better eat your dinner before it gets cold.” I move to shift from his lap, but he holds me tighter. His arms a vise around my waist.

“How about I get dessert first?” he taunts in a low growl. “The wolf always gets what he wants, and right now, he’s fucking starving, for his pretty little red.” He doesn’t wait for my answer before he lifts me onto the table, the place setting clattering against the smooth wooden surface.

I don’t have time to think as his hands explore my thighs, my yoga leggings are tight against me, and the heat coming from my pussy has him growling when his fingers taunt me through the thin, flimsy material.

“My little red is all wet, soaking her panties for me,” Lycan murmurs as he looks up at me through dark lashes, a predator ready to devour his prey. I’m about to respond when his hands grip the material, and rip the gusset, opening me to his fiery stare. He shoves my panties to the side, and his mouth latches onto my clit, sending me reeling as I lean back on my elbows, watching him lick and lave at my entrance.