Page 43 of The Packaged Deal
Iknow what I’m doing is all kinds of wrong, but I can’t help it. I take three steps and pause behind the geranium bush. Where is he? Ah, there he is. It’s late, like really late. I’ve padded the bed with pillows and snuck out the window.
Adrian’s out here somewhere, and I need to talk to him. I need to tell him that he doesn’t have to stay. He can leave. I sniff, already perilously close to tears. I’ll be the bigger person and let the alpha go.
He moves again, and I quickly pad after him. Only to find that he’s disappeared completely. I move out into the open and grumble when I realise he’s managed to evade me again.
“What are you doing out here?”
I freeze because that’s not Adrian, that’s Sven. “I’m looking for Adrian.”
“He’s inside, curled up on the window seat in his attic. Probably watching us right now,” Sven growls, and there’s something darker, something menacing about his tone. “You should run, little fox.”
“Fox?”
“Cunning, diabolical little fox.” I try to turn, but as soon as I move, his hands land on my shoulders, holding me still. He moves closer, the heat of his body warming mine.
“I’m not cunning. I’m just me.”
A low growl pierces the night, right near my ear. “You shouldn’t be out here. You make me lose control,” Sven growls. “Maybe that’s your plan.”
I frown, but my nerves are shot. I don’t think he will hurt me, but the way he’s speaking doesn’t sound like him, either.
His fingers tighten on my shoulders, and he leans down. I can feel it as he runs his nose through my hair. It should be creepy, but it’s not. It’s hot. I squirm, my chest heaving as I fight every instinct I have and try to remain still.
One of his hands leaves my hip, trails up my side, leaving a path of burning sensation. My knees feel weak, and I lean back into him.
“You want me.”
It’s not a question, so I don’t answer him. A low sound breaks from my throat, and his growl drowns it out. His hand completely misses my breast but slides up over my chest to encircle my throat.
He tightens his fingers and drags me back so my entire weight is resting on him. My eyelashes flutter closed, and then open again to find him staring down at me with huge black eyes.
Wait.
“Sven?”
He ducks his head down, and I lean to the side, angling my face towards his. I can smell the mint chewie he had on his breath as it bathes my face.
Oh, god, please kiss me. Please. He ducks down closer. His lips just barely graze mine, but it feels like an explosion has gone off inside me. He pulls back, and I stand up on my tiptoes, chasing him, but just before we touch, he steps back, completely letting me go.
I whirl around as he walks behind the trees. There’s no other option. I have to follow him. Licorice is in the air stronger than ever, so powerful.
“Kandi broke up with me,” Sven says conversationally.
“I’m sorry.”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“You don’t pull your punches. I like that.”
I smile at that as he walks further away from me. I follow like there’s a string tied between us. I can’t help it. His back muscles flex under his tight t-shirt, and I find myself absorbed with watching how they move.
“Do you shave your head?”
“Such a personal question, Miss Greenway. I’ll allow you one.” He turns his head back. “Yes.”
“What colour is your hair?”