Sins of Mine - Mary E. Twomey Page 0,23
My temper usually takes more than a minute to simmer.
Paxton helps Gray up the steps, kissing his cheek before depositing him in the bathroom and going back out into our bedroom.
I follow Paxton, worried about too many things, as usual. “He doesn’t want to be here.” I need to get out my misgivings before anything else goes down.
Paxton unbuttons his shirt and slides down his trousers, getting ready for bed. “I think that’s for Gray to decide. He doesn’t know where he belongs. He’s used to a different way of life. I can be patient, because in the end, Gray’s going to have to compromise a lot more than we ever will. This is going to be hard on him, being with us.”
I want to bristle on principle, but I know Paxton is right. “I don’t want to make his life harder. Maybe we should cut him loose and send him back to his people. Maybe that would be better for him.”
The words hurt me to say, hollowing out my chest and leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth.
Paxton holds his hand out to me, drawing me nearer—always nearer. “Could you really do that?”
I swallow hard. “If I was unselfish, I could.”
Paxton shakes his head at me. “If you were controlling, you would, but you’re not. It’s not for you to tell Gray where to go. That’s his decision.”
I scowl at Paxton. Even the sight of him in only his sky-blue boxer briefs doesn’t derail my frustration. “I hate it when you’re right. Stop being all wise and such. It’s grating to listen to you be so calm when things have been falling apart.”
Paxton’s chuckle warms me. He backs up and sits on the edge of the bed, bringing me to straddle his lap, as he does many nights before we turn in. The hectic nature of our lives leaves little time for connection, so our quiet kisses before bed have been just the ticket to make sure we don’t drift apart.
His lips are gentle, never demanding. Normally, his hands remain at my back or tangle in my hair, but tonight, he traces my curves so slowly, it’s all I can do not to beg him to take me already.
Paxton’s lips drag along my cheek and move to my ear. “What are you wearing?”
A wicked smile finds me. This is the reaction I was hoping for. “Pajamas. I got you a matching set.”
He snorts, but his gaze is locked in on my body. So far, I’m counting this nightwear as a win. “It’s almost completely see-through.”
It’s my turn to whisper in his ear. “I know.”
A low moan of desire mingled with helplessness roils in his chest, as if I have some power over him. If I do, I’m not about to give it up.
His kisses turn greedy, his hands sliding up the silk covering my thighs and landing on my backside, where he gives a hearty squeeze.
“Keep this one. This outfit,” Paxton rules, his lips trailing down my throat. The lamplight flickers across his features, giving me just enough of a view of his handsomeness. I’m fairly certain I’ll give him whatever he wants.
He nips at my breasts, crushing me to him because an inch of space between us is too much. We’ve tolerated hours of separation all day, and finally, my prince has me on his lap, in his arms, and arching my back to give him better access to my body.
Without Paxton to remind me that I don’t exist for the sole purpose of providing and working, important parts of my personality might cease to exist. Pure love swells in my chest. This man isn’t going to let me drift off into a haze of to-do lists. No matter how much I fear I might lose myself to the campers who need me, Paxton will not let me fade away.
“You’re all worked up,” my prince complains. “What ever shall I do to unwind you?”
“Mm. Let me think about that.” My fingertips are chilly, exciting his skin as they trace his torso.
He hisses, gripping my backside while his hips rock. “Oh, the things I want to do to you. But tonight is probably not the best choice, given the circumstances.”
I give him a pout, but decide to make the most of the time we have. If I was a succubus, I’m certain I could suck his soul through his lips, given how deep and passionate our kisses have become.
Paxton’s kisses are the most impolite, irreverent portion of