Page 127 of Bend

He kisses me again, slower this time, and the shift is somehow worse.

There’s no rush to hide behind now. His hand remains at my neck while the other moves over my waist, learning me through my clothes with an attention that makes every pass feel deliberate.

I pull at his jacket. “Take this off.”

His mouth curves. “Take it off me, pretty girl.”

I tug at the sleeves, and he helps, shrugging the jacket off, letting it fall to the floor. His shirt is next, lifted over his head and discarded somewhere. My hands find his chest immediately, feeling the heat and ink covered muscle. His heart is beating faster than his calm expression suggests.

That knowledge makes me bolder.

I drag my nails lightly down his chest, and his jaw tightens.

His hands close around my hips, and a startled laugh slips out when he lifts me. My legs wrap around his waist automatically, arms hooking around his shoulders as he carries me farther into the room.

He kisses me again before setting me against the wall beside the bed.

Harder this time.

Hungrier.

His mouth drags from mine to my jaw, then lower, and my head tips back before I can stop it. His hands slide beneath my shirt, rough fingertips moving over my waist and leaving heat everywhere they touch.

A shiver runs through me.

Draygon stills for half a second.

Then his mouth brushes the skin beneath my ear.

“My turn now.”

My fingers tighten against his shoulders.

He pulls back just enough to look at me, dark eyes fixed on mine.

“I’ve watched you with Wolfe.” His thumb presses slowly into my waist. “Watched you with Thorne.”

There’s no anger in his voice.

Just that quiet edge of jealousy he hasn’t bothered hiding tonight.

“And now?”

His gaze drops to my mouth.

“Now I get you.”

Fuck.

He lifts my shirt slowly, making me raise my arms before pulling it over my head and tossing it aside.

His eyes move over me, taking his time.

Not shy about it.

Not trying to hide how badly he wants me.

My skin heats under the attention.