Page 35 of Alpha Bond
“All right,” I say impulsively. “I’ll go along with your plan – pretending to be mates for temporary protection.”
“You will?” Jagger looks as if he didn’t believe that he’d convince me.
“I will.” I bite out a smile. “On one condition…”
“Name it.”
“When we’re done, I want you to help me find my way back.”
“Back?” His brows pull together. “To the mountains?”
I dip my head. The thought of leading anyone back to my home doesn’t sit well with me, but I can’t think of anyone else I can turn to. I can’t find my way alone; I’d be putting a target on my back. I need him. “I don’t know how I got here, Jagger. I want you to do this for me. In exchange, I’ll help you. As soon as you’ve worked your way up to where you want to be, we make up a story about how I have to leave. I have no idea what that would be yet, but we’ll figure something out.” I can’t believe I’m saying any of this.
“Okay.” His answer is simple, even though what we’re planning is anything but.
“I mean…it’s mad,” I add almost breathlessly as the enormity of it begins to dawn on me. “Completely nuts, really. And I’m not sure how we’d pull it off, but…” I raise a shoulder. “It just might work.”
“It will.” His tone is firm. “But that brings me to something else.” He looks uncomfortable. “We’re going to have to make it believable. There will be repercussions if our plans are uncovered. Serious repercussions.”
I swallow hard. My heart races, but I know he’s right. We have to be convincing to keep both of us safe – him from suspicion within his pack and me from being sent back out…maybe to Rack.
“All right.” I clear my throat when the words come out husky. “What do we need to do?”
“We’ll have to look like a couple.” He runs a hand around the back of his neck and looks at me from beneath his lashes. “It’s going to be expected. Holding hands, touching each other when we talk, maybe even a few kisses.”
The thought makes my stomach twist with nerves, but I understand why it’s necessary. “K-kisses?” I stammer, trying not to let my discomfort show too much. But deep down, a part of me is curious about what it would feel like to kiss him – the man who saved me from certain death and offered protection without expecting anything in return. Until now.
“Only if you’re comfortable with it,” Jagger adds quickly, sensing my unease. “It’s all just for show, Sierra. Nothing more.”
“Okay,” I breathe out, trying to muster up the courage to go through with this. “Let’s get it over with then.” I step toward him. “Kiss me.”
He blinks in surprise. “Now?” He frowns. I almost expect him to put distance between us. That settles my nerves a little. Touching doesn’t come easy for him. He’s serious about this vow of his.
“If we get used to the idea now, it won’t come as such a shock to us if we have to do it in front of anyone else for the first time. It will look more natural.” My reasoning seems sound, even if I’m not quite sure why I’m proposing this.
“Are you sure?” he asks, his intense eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation.
“I’m sure,” I reply, determination filling me. This is what needs to be done to ensure our safety, and I can’t let my fears keep me back.
I hold my breath as Jagger leans in slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull away if I change my mind. But I don’t. Our lips meet, and it’s surprisingly gentle. His warmth envelops me, his scent rich and woody, and I find myself getting lost in the sensation. I put a hand on his shoulder. It’s hard and muscular beneath my palm, the strength unmistakable. His hand slides up to cup the back of my head, his fingers twining into my hair, and I find myself melting.
Just for show, Sierra…
Except it’s not.
What starts out as a chaste gesture suddenly builds into something more. The kiss deepens, and my cheeks burn as a strange heat rises within me. His breath comes faster, and I wonder if whatever just hit me is affecting him too. It’s as if our bodies are betraying the agreement we just made, and for a moment, I forget that this is all just pretend.
I move closer, the intensity of my desire taking me by surprise. His hands wander down my back, stroking over me in a way that makes my entire body quiver. My skin tingles as he takes possession of my mouth, his tongue exploring with an urgency that sends a jolt through my veins.
I moan softly against his lips as his tongue traces inside my mouth. His fingers weave through my hair, pulling gently as his lips move against mine. I’m lost in a wave of pleasure that’s washing over me, wanting nothing more than to stay like this forever.
Sierra! What the hell?
He probably feels me tense because he pulls in a breath. We break apart, both of us breathing heavily, and I stare up at him in confusion. His eyes have an unearthly glow that tells me his wolf is close; my own feels like it’s prowling closer under my skin than I’ve felt in ages. The intensity of the kiss leaves me reeling, questioning myself.
It’s not real!
A slight pressure against my throat makes me realize I’ve lifted my hand to touch my neck. It’s that thing they put in me that’s made me respond this way. Rack and his fucking device. It has to be. It’s messed with every part of me. Including the deep throbbing in my sex that is suddenly hot with need.