Page 62 of Blood that Burns

My eyes rake over her from head to toe. Her long blond hair in loose curls, cascading over her shoulders and running past her ample breasts. The corduroy dress she wears hugs her curves in ways that should be illegal. Maroon boots cover her from foot to mid-thigh, showing only a sliver of skin. She’s so goddamn gorgeous.

She’s all woman.

Shante’s words come back to me. Julian’s too. The girl who stands before me isn’t that frightened girl anymore. She isn’t cowering at my harsh stare or the fact that I had a hand in killing someone. Her body is radiating something entirely wrong given the conversation.

“I canfeelyou,” I nearly growl. “I can feel your emotions. They’re... stifling.”

Lust.

Need.

Hunger.

She moves forward, and this time I don’t back away, my eyes never straying from hers.

“Then you know that the last thing you are in my mind is a monster, Law.” She takes another step, and another, until we’re toe to toe. “You know, I can feel you too.”

I suck in a harsh breath. The heat in those blue eyes should have me running. A smart man would know when he’s about to be owned, but I’m not a smart man. Not even close. When it comes to Maggie Drake, I’m a fool. I’ll take whatever she offers, consequences be damned. And that’s the problem with this dance we’re in.

It’s been like this since she’s gotten back. I give just a little until I come back to my senses and then pull the rug out from under her, leaving Maggie hurt and confused. It’s not fair to her. I can’t keep doing that.

“Don’t retreat from me. I won’t let you this time.”

“You don’t know what you’re asking, sunshine. It’s not a good idea.”

We’re chest to chest now, and I’m staring down at Maggie’s angelic face, transfixed. This siren calls to me on a spiritual level and it has exactly zero to do with the bond. It’s her. It will always be her. I’m unable to resist her song.

“Maggie, I—”

She shakes her head. “Tonight, you’re mine.”

Those words, spoken from the mouth of my very own temptress, undo me and all the willpower I’ve tried to fortify over the past few days. My mouth crashes against hers, and all is right in this fucked-up world.

She melts into me as my arm loops around her back, pulling her tighter against me. Our tongues tangle together, perfectly in sync. My hand roams over the curve of her spine, down her ass and up her outer thigh. She shivers under my touch, but our mouths never break contact.

Never in my life have I ever felt so at home. So utterly sated by a kiss. Being with Maggie would surely end me. Nothing would ever be right without her by my side if I let it go that far.

What’s stopping you?

Maggie isn’t the child she was when I first found her. She’s a woman who knows what she wants. Why do I keep pushing her away? Out of some warped idea that this legend has created false feelings. There’s nothing false about the way I feel for her. There’s nothing contrived about it, and even if it is the bond that’s creating this need, why fight it?

I pull away just slightly, my forehead resting against hers. Our breathing is labored, and I watch as her chest rises and falls in short bursts. I take the time to try to convince myself that this is a bad idea. That I should walk away for the last time... but it’s no use. I’m done fighting it. I stand tall, staring down into her eyes. “Maggie... tell me to stop.”

Her lip curls into a grin that’s sexy as hell and dangerous given the situation. A groan forces its way through my lips.

“Never.”

It’s all she says, but it has the effect of a hurricane battering the Louisiana shore, damaging every carefully constructed wall I’ve erected around my heart to shield me from the destruction that only Maggie could cause.

I bend down and sweep Maggie off her feet, carrying her back to my bed. Hovering over her, I look down and bask in the moment. Maggie Drake is in my bed, smiling up at me. I don’t deserve to have her, but to hell with that. I’ll take everything she’s willing to give. I’ll beg for it, even.

“Drink from me, Law.” Her words come out breathy and carnal.

My eyes close at the request as my head and body war. It’s been some time since I last drank from her. My body thrums with the need to consume what she offers. It’s more than I deserve, and my head tells me as much.

“Maggie,” I groan.

“Look at me,” she commands. This dominant Maggie is a vixen I can’t deny. She’s a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it without apology. Without warning, I’ve become a slave to her whim. “I want this. Please.”