Primals (Reverse Harem 1)

I don’t answer to that. I’m used to the jabs. Besides there’s truth there too.

“If Theo isn’t coming, maybe it’s a good idea to have Toshi come along,” Kyle says. “As long as he promises not to hurt Clarissa.”

“Like I’d take his word,” Sebastian says.

“I trust Toshi,” Clarissa says to his surprise and mine. “He can come along.”

Whoa. Did she just say she trusts me?

“If he betrays us, you can kill him,” she adds. “As long as you let me know first.”

The words send shivers up my spine and ripples of heat under my skin.

Ruthless. Another endearing quality.

Sebastian nods. “You heard her.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be too excited if I were you,” I tell him. “I don’t plan on getting myself killed.”

“Good,” Theo says, giving me a warning glance. “Then everything should be fine.”

“Well, it’s nice to see everyone playing along,” Kyle says.

“Now that it’s been decided, can everyone please turn around so I can get out of the water?” Clarissa asks. “I’m starting to feel cold and numb. I’m not even sure why I’m here in the first place.”

I forgot she was still in the water. It’s still very early spring, and rather chilly out. Maybe I shouldn’t have um...encouraged...her to go swimming. Though it had ruled out her being a Cat.

I turn my back to her and so do the others, though I catch a glimpse of all three stealing glances as she climbs out of the water and dries herself off, as do I.

The drops of water glisten off her pale skin like beads covering her body, some of them trickling down her curves. I draw in a deep breath as I see one of them disappear between her breasts, her wet bra clinging to the mounds of flesh so their dark peaks are visible.

In spite of myself, I’m unable to control the wave of lust that washes over me. I close my eyes to calm myself down, and I catch a scent of the others’ desire as well.

Ah. A competition.

Too bad Bear is getting left behind.

Chapter Fifteen

~ Theo

I WANT TO GO WITH CLARISSA.

The thought swims in my head and grips my heart like an unforgiving fist as I stare at her sitting there on the porch of the inn, her legs dangling over the edge. She’s leaning on her arms, her hair a copper cascade down her back, the tips dancing just an inch or so over the bamboo. Her head is tilted up towards the turquoise sky.

She’s all alone. Sebastian, Kyle and Toshi are all busy making preparations for the trip to Africa. I’ve been left in charge of her because after today, I can’t be.

I never thought my inability to stand hot weather was a curse until today.

I step forward, the wood creaking beneath my weight.

“Theo?” Clarissa says my name before she turns her head.

No use sneaking up on her. Then again, sneaking is Toshi’s thing, not mine.

I sit beside her, crossing my legs beneath me because I know there isn’t enough space between the porch and the ground for them. “Tea?” I lift the cup I’m holding.

She shakes her head. “You know I don’t like tea very much.”