Ruler (Wolves of Royal Paynes #2) - Kiki Burrelli Page 0,36
here for as long as you want one."
His eyebrows rounded while his lips pouted. "You can't know that. It's just how you feel now. But you'll get tired of me. Of waiting for me."
Tired? That didn't seem like the word he meant to say, but I'd already pushed him so much.
Luckily, he wasn't finished. "You'll get tired of reading to me. Of??nly reading."
So that was what this was about. He thought his staying here was an exchange situation. I gave him safety in exchange for his body. I couldn't let him continue believing that anymore than I could let him walk off a cliff. I knew there was an attraction. Storri was difficult to sense, but not when he was aroused. His cherry-sweet arousal was more prominent, becoming the only scent I could smell. But it was clear something stood between Storri's arousal and his ability to act on that arousal. "Storri, if you never want to touch me again, you still have a place here."
"Never touch you?" he parroted with horror.
I was man enough to know I'd needed that confidence boost. "It's your choice, always."
Storri shook his head, his floppy brown hair waggling as he did. Choices thrilled and overwhelmed him. When presented with options, his caramel eyes lit with fear, but also excitement. "I don't know what is wrong with me."
"Nothing."
He shook his head. "I like how you make me feel. I like when you read to me and when I wake up and you are still there. But??aybe I'm broken? I couldn't escape that tower unscathed. I'm a chubby virgin terrified of how sexy you are."
He looked up at me like he expected anger. How could I be angry? My ego was getting a boost it wouldn't soon float down from. But my kitten was still conflicted, so I masked my satisfaction. "That isn't what I see when I look at you, Storri. I see a brave man who grew up kind and good despite having every reason not to."
He blushed and looked away. His pink lips curved down. "I'm not special. Stop trying to tell me I'm special."
He punched my shoulder, too light for there to be actual intent, and I grabbed his hand, bringing his knuckles up to my lips. He'd liked that last time. His scent had blossomed like we were walking into a field of cherry trees. It happened again, and I inhaled the arousing aroma. His scent coated my mouth and throat. I wanted to roll around in it, if only so there would be something linking us. If he wasn't ready to smell like me, I'd gladly smell like him until he was. "You're more than special, kitten. You're everything."
I waited for his skittish response, but instead, I was treated to a charming smile. He looked too beautiful with the light ocean breeze lifting his hair and the sun shining overhead. I let his knuckles go, smirking softly at the light sound of protest Storri made before dropping my arm over his shoulders. I kept the limb light at first, gauging his reaction. I worried his timidity would lead him to let things happen when he'd rather they didn't, so until I could be sure he knew how to use his voice, I would have to watch his body. At the moment his shoulders weren't tight with stress, and while there was concern in his gaze, it wasn't fearful. "I will want to??ouch you. If you can wait."
My chest warmed while something very near to relief washed over me. He wanted me. He was just worried I didn't have staying power. He had no idea how patient I could be. But I would show him. And in the meantime, I'd enjoy whatever physical comfort he was ready for. "I can wait."
I'd meant to pull him in for a hug, but Storri angled his lips toward mine, and I wasn't about to put a stop to it. He moaned softly. I cupped the back of his head, gently threading my fingers through his silky strands. Though I held him, I let Storri lead the kiss. When his small tongue licked my lips, there was no holding back my growl of approval. I worried for a moment the sound would frighten him. Instead, he made a similar noise, softer but just as needy.
He brought his fingers to my face, lightly skimming along the line of my jaw. My satisfied rumble brought out another small sexy sound from his lips.