Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,42
and his gaze goes down to the floor. But I keep mine pinned on him and my expression just as virtuous. Then, meeting my gaze again, he says, “Petra, it’s just a bear.”
“No! It’s a life. A bear has the right to live just like you.”
He frowns instantly at my comment and snaps, “It’s a sport. Our families have been doing it for centuries. Stop with your nonsense.”
“Taking an innocent life is not a sport. It’s barbaric—”
Alex blows out a breath and asks, “You’re not gonna stop, are you?”
“I can’t. It goes against everything I stand for. I can’t let you do it,” I keep insisting. And since he doesn’t seem convinced, I plead, “Please, do it for me.”
We stay quiet as he thinks something through. “And what do I gain in exchange?”
My jaw drops at his audacity. “How dare you? You’re saving a life and want something in exchange for that?”
“I’m doing you a favor,” he snaps. “Killing a bear doesn’t bother me, so yeah, I do.”
I keep gaping at him in total awe. “You don’t deserve anything in exchange for being a decent human.”
But Alex just shrugs his shoulders in return. “Then, I’m afraid I can’t help.”
I’m so disgusted by his attitude that I slap his arm. “Fucking monster.”
“Ouch,” he utters at the blow as he massages the area with his palm. “That hurts.”
I roll my eyes because I know he’s lying. “Yeah, right. Don’t you dare kill that bear,” I threaten. “I’m dead serious about it.”
But before he can reply, we are interrupted by three knocks on the door.
His attention shifting to above my shoulder, he orders, “Come in.”
“Alex, um, sorry to bother you,” Sebastian says as he stands in the doorway, “but it’s time to go.”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” he tells him before Sebastian closes the door again. His eyes drift back to me, and with his expression just as severe, he says, “We’ll continue this talk once I’m back.” Then Alex stands up, places his rifle sling over his shoulder, and, without me expecting it, leans down to claim my lips. And damn it, his kiss shouldn’t feel that good. He slightly opens his mouth and I do the same, and our kiss becomes fire, waking every part of me. He pulls my body to his, closing the small gap between us, and I let a little grunt escape at the feel of his torso pressed against mine. My hands go around his neck as our tongues dance with each other’s in blissful harmony, my cheeks radiating with warmth, and, losing myself in the moment, I become unaware of my surroundings. Lust travels through me, causing a rush of wetness to coat my thong. Jeez, I should be mad at this asshole, not thinking about his body and all the wonders he can do with it.
Breaking our kiss, I can’t help but say, “Your lips taste so good.” I blame this impulsive praise on the hormones. Even though I should be mad at him, the need for his touch and to be so close to him overpowers everything, and I succumb to his demand for another quick peck on the mouth.
With very light pressure, Alex starts stroking my cheek, and his lips twist into a smile laced with pride and satisfaction as he observes me with contemplative eyes. His proximity keeps my heart asking for so much more. And I’m pretty sure he knows that. “You owe me one,” he says. Then he gives me a quick peck on the top of my head and makes his way out.
Yeah… I just hope he will keep that in mind during the hunt.
Chapter 11
Alexander Van Dieren
I glance quickly at my watch as I speed up to get outside. Reaching the front porch, I look both directions and find Sebastian standing against the wall. “I’m sorry for the wait,” I tell him. “I didn’t think she would find us.”
“No worries,” he replies, half smiling. “She’s got quite an attitude, huh?”
“Yeah… And she’s stubborn,” I tell him as we make our way toward the car.
Sebastian lets out a quick chuckle before patting me on the back and saying in a low voice, “I’m sure you’re gonna take care of it later.”
His comment makes my stomach twitch. After all, Sebastian and I have always been quite close, and he knows perfectly well how I used to handle this type of situation with Amanda. As we put our rifles and jackets into the truck, I ponder my next words.