Page 70 of Alpha Ruined

When she finally comes down from her orgasmic high, she notices the mess she’s left on him.

“Oh,” she gasps, sitting up as Cole grins down at her. “I can get a towel?—”

But his icy eyes burn into hers as he slowly brings each soaked finger to his mouth, tasting her juices.

Her mouth falls open, and she sucks in a breath as he groans.

“Exquisite,” he murmurs. “I could live off your taste.”

Surely, he’s joking.

Her other partners had never wanted to taste her down there, yet Cole sucks his fingers dry as if he’s a man starved.

It’s a mesmerizing sight.

But reality comes crashes down as she sees the marks on her arms, and she scrambles for a blanket to cover herself with.

Orgasms or not, she still can’t help but notice the grotesque scars on her skin.

Cole notices her movements and frowns.

“Baby. Stop.”

But Bree’s breath comes out shaky, and panic grips her as she reaches for the blankets, ready to wrap it around herself.

“Stop.”

The Alpha’s harsh warning makes her freeze despite the urge to hide.

His hands cup her face as he pushes his forehead against hers. “It’s me,” he whispers. “It’s just me. You don’t have to hide.”

She clutches at his firm shoulders, vaguely aware that she’s ruining the mood with her insecurities.

“Don’t shut down,” he murmurs, his voice soft. “I’m here. I’mhere.”

Not forever, she thinks, but she knows that argument won’t end well. Unless he has some grand plan to follow her back to Holden, all of this is temporary.

Still, it’s nice to pretend.

She holds on to his scent, the essence grounding her, as his hand strokes her hair. A rumble sounds in his chest, and his purr instantly calms her.

“My mother would like you,” she murmurs, and he chuckles.

“Is that so?”

“You’re persistent.”

“I’m nothing if not persistent.”

“Difficult.”

“If you say so.”

“And hell-bent on giving me more attention than any other man has.”

He growls. “Mention another man while you’re in bed with me again and I may have to go on a killing spree.”

She freezes, the malice in his tone terrifying. But he continues his purring, so she lets it slide.