Page 68 of Deadly Cravings
Binx meowed, as if agreeing.
I sighed and moved to my basket of clothing. Yeah, just as I thought, I was running low. I buried my hand into the pile and pulled out a long men’s shirt I’d purchased specifically tosleep in. The good thing was I’d added another to my collection. Tobias wasn’t getting his back.
I tugged it over my head and plucked the only two socks available. A fuzzy pink one that reached my calf and a short black one that stopped at my ankle. How I always managed to lose my socks was beyond me.
My steps were softened as I padded to the side door, which was the only way into the back area from the house, the sting of the splinter an uncomfortable pinch. I hadn’t been able to get it out while I was in the shower, which explained the prune-look to my fingers.
The sliding door was wide open with Asher leaning against the side of the house, a stubborn twist to his lips.
Asher met my eyes and for the first time since I met him, there was unadulterated irritation. It was as if he’d been body snatched by his brother.
I pressed my lips together. Somehow, I doubted he would enjoy the comparison. Inviting him in wouldn’t be a bad idea. It was just Asher after all.
“Since it looks like you’re not leaving.” I frowned, moving to the side.
“You have to say the words.”
“Oh, uh. Asher, come in.”
He gingerly stepped over the threshold and I turned my back, knowing he would follow me into the main part of the house. My face heated at my sparse home, but I tipped my chin up. There was nothing to be embarrassed about. Not everyone could live centuries and accumulate a shit ton of money. Plus, I’d work on acquiring more furniture when my next check came in.
“You’re still limping.”
“I got a splinter.”
“Let me help.”
“No, thanks,” I responded curtly. I was still a bit upset about his reaction earlier. After ruminating about it for a while in the shower, I’d not figured out what had pissed me off. It had almost seemed like accusations.
Asher swept me into his arms and I yelped, scrambling to grab onto him. I went along with it, knowing I had no chance of fighting against him, but I set a severe frown on my lips so he knew I wasn’t down for this.
He paused at the entrance of my living room, and I tried my best to suppress the heat washing up my neck. He only hesitated a second more before setting me on the couch and kneeling in front of me and lifting my fuzzy-sock-clad foot.
He plucked it off my foot with a smile.
“It’s on my heel.” He hummed and bowed over my foot as he lifted it. My knee pushed up and bend close to my face.
“Don’t be upset with me, Pet.” The cajoling words made me narrow my eyes at him.
“You didn’t have to be a jerk—” I cut off with a snort and my foot kicked out at the tickle, nailing Asher across the jaw. I winced and tried to scoot back, horrified, but he didn’t release the hold on my ankle.
He worked his jaw side to side and cleared his throat, a small smirk tipping up the corners of his lips. “I got the memo; I shouldn’t have been a jerk.”
“I am so so?—”
“Not to worry, Pet.” His long lashes fluttered as he stared at me, the grin over taking his face. “I kind of liked it.” He winked and I choked on my words. “In fact, if you need to get in a few more licks, consider me a willing participant?—”
“Oh. My. God, Asher, please stop.” I sank into the chair, snorting back laughter. His finger pressed into that tender spot on my foot and I froze. “Don’t.”
He smirked.
“Fine. Fine.” Asher lifted his hand, pinching something between his forefinger and thumb. He’d gotten the splinter.Thank God.
Seeing his smile did bad things to my insides. I wanted him. I licked my lips and squeezed my fists. He blinked at me and placed my sock back on, a severe frown on his face. A polar opposite from how he usually behaved.
“Why are you angry at me?”
The question burst from me, and I pressed my lips together. I couldn’t believe I was asking him that. I sounded like a child, worry filling my voice and everything.