The rawness that fascinates and attracts many students here, the kind of guy you can’t imagine abstaining because every pore oozes sex.
I reach out, through the rain, through the invisible barrier the guy created around himself, and touch his hand. His fingers are now warm against my numb ones, as if he’s sitting close to a fire and not standing in the cold. He snatches my hand and drags me to him, until my body comes into contact with his. His clothes are soaked but his body heated, like a guy with a fever who’s standing in weather that would make him sick.
My arousal is instant, the heat from him spreading through me as he looks down, breathing rapidly. I could push him in the chest, pull my arm away, tell him to let go, but I don’t. He stares wordlessly at my mouth and I rub my lips together, as the raindrops tickle my lips.
With his other hand, Ethan cups my cheek and I close my eyes, pushing my face against the warming touch like a cat. All the while, the rain pours but I become unaware of where I am. Tension rolls through Ethan’s body as his hand shakes against my face.
“Fuck,” he says, voice hoarse, and he crushes me to him.
I part my lips in surprise as Ethan’s mouth hits mine, immediately claiming me as his tongue pushes against mine. His other arm wraps around my waist, enveloping me in an embrace I couldn’t escape if I tried. Months of pent-up need pour from him as he kisses me in a way I’ve never experienced before; bruising and passionate. He swings me around and the fence sags backwards as Ethan fulfils the promise he made. I’m pressed against the chain, his body hiding me from view, his kiss as relentless as the rain.
I reach up and wrap my arms around his shoulders, clinging to his back as my trembling legs begin to buckle. The kiss goes on and I’m equal parts frightened and aroused. He splays his hand across my back and drags my hips towards him, pressing me harder against the fence. His arousal pushes into my stomach and my body responds with wet heat as I push my mouth harder against his.
Ethan breaks away and staggers back, dragging both hands through his hair. I slip down the metal fence before righting myself and the freezing air assaults me.
“That didn’t scare you,” he says hoarsely. “Why?”
My heart thunders in my chest. “We’re outside in the rain. Somewhere other people can walk by. I’m safe.”
“No. I mean the kiss.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “I can smell your body’s response, Eloise. Feel your blood sending adrenaline and arousal through, but not fear.”
I blink away the raindrops from my eyelashes. “Because I wanted you to.”
“You don’t. You really don’t.” His tone is low, almost a growl. “You’re lucky we’re where we are.”
My shaking arousal is replaced by shivering cold as I re-join the world around me, wishing Ethan would hold me to him again.
“Go inside before you make yourself ill,” he says.
I open my mouth to reply, but he turns and walks towards the building, leaving me in a bigger mess than when we walked out here. Touching my sore lips, I watch him go, shocked at the multiple shifts in mood over a matter of minutes.
The more time passes, the greater I share his suspicion that the hybrids are here for a reason. Ravenhold is encouraging something in us and I don’t think the outcome will be good.
Tears threaten, because although I’m hurt by his rejection, I’m more worried that he’ll push me away and I’ll lose an ally.
My shoes squelch across the yard as I follow him at the distance he wants—a distance I don’t want.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ravenhold suits the night, the grey building pushing into the inky black, starless sky as if as much a part of the clouds as the rocks. I take a deep breath and the damp air and ozone smell reminds me I’m trapped. If I stand still long enough, I can hear the sea in the distance.
I’ve never approached to look at the horizon, the windows in the building only look onto rocks, unless you’re in the highest tower; but as far as I know, few go there.
Maybe one day I’ll find a way up there. But do I want a reminder that there’s no way out?
As I head back to the building, I catch sight of two slender