Defining Darkness - K E Osborn Page 0,36
in goosebumps as the energy swirls, sizzling all around us. He’s not touching me in any way, yet, it’s like his hands are all over me. This is the most intense standoff I’ve ever had with a man.
He slowly slides his arm up with the shirt in his hand toward me, and I take it from him. His finger glides against mine as a spark shoots all the way to my chest making me gasp. He also inhales sharply but lets the shirt go taking a step back.
“Put the shirt on, Eva.”
Nodding, I gingerly pull the new shirt over my head, letting it fall over my body. It doesn’t feel as perfect as the first, but it’s just as nice. I smooth my hands over it, then my eyes shift back up to Nycto. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
He steps forward, reaching out for my hand. “You didn’t upset me, Eva. You shocked me. You look too good wearing my patch. That means something in my world, and I can’t have my brothers out there seeing you wearing it.”
I widen my eyes. “Wait! Why would they see me wearing it?”
Nycto grins, the tension of the moment before ebbing slightly. He reaches into his back pocket pulling out a set of handcuffs. His lips lift, one dimple dipping in, his teeth perfectly aligned giving him a glow of happiness. He might be beaming like a ray of sunshine, but I’m feeling nothing but sunburn as I jerk my head back in shock.
“Umm, what are they for?”
Nycto reaches out for my hand. I don’t pull away as he tightens the cuff around my wrist, then attaches the other to himself.
Excitement builds inside of me as I lean up on my toes. “Does this mean what I think it means?”
“Yeah, we’re leaving the room. You’re coming out to meet everyone, but I’ll be your companion the entire time. So, no thinking of running or doing anything stupid. Got it?”
I turn, slamming my body into his. Nycto tenses as I hug him, even with one of our arms tethered together. “Thank you! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to meet everyone.”
“You ready?” he asks as I pull back from him.
“So ready!”
“Then, Chiquita, let’s get to your welcome party.”
Chapter Fourteen
EVA
Adrenaline spikes through me at a vast rate. Being tethered to Nycto has my heart rate spiking all on its own, let alone the fact I’m about to be free of this bedroom for a short time.
“Here we go.” His deep, sensual voice sends a shudder down my spine as his grip on the door handle guides a wave of excitement through me. I bite my bottom lip as he turns the handle, pulling the door open. My stomach flutters with butterflies but also with eagerness and nerves.
I have no idea what the other people are like here.
What is he about to take me out into?
It has to be better than living alone in his room.
We step out into a darkened hall. His eyes remain on me as I take it all in. I thought I’d be anxious, scared even, about stepping out into this new world, but all I am is eager to take a look at the rest of his clubhouse. I glance behind me—the hall is long. I’m assuming there are more bedrooms down there. He slides his cuffed hand into mine, making my head snap back to him. My skin prickles in goosebumps as he looks at me. Even in the dim light, his face is clear enough.
“You ready for me to introduce you to everyone?”
I thread my fingers with his. I’m shocked at how excited I am to meet everyone. I was stolen from my home, and now I’m here. I’m not sure why, but for some reason, I feel safe. It’s probably not right to be feeling this way, but for some strange reason, I do. I just wish Ivy was here so she could feel safe too. “Yeah, I’m more than ready.”
Nycto leads me out of the hall into a vast open space. My senses burst into overload as I try to take everything in. After being in a small room with the same stuff for God only knows how long, seeing so many new things and people all at once is overwhelming.
He tightens his grip on my hand as we stay still with all his people observing me. Bikers, club girls all standing with warm greetings waiting for me, but it’s not them I’m awed by. It’s