Embrace the Darkness (The Maura Quinn Series Book 1) - Ashley N. Rostek Page 0,59
as far as I can throw him. If I want to survive in this family, I have to stay one step ahead of everyone else, imagine multiple outcomes. Did Stefan not drill that into you growing up or was that just me?”
“From the sound of it, not to the same extent,” he muttered.
I wasn’t going to explain the differences of being a female versus a male to him. Stefan had understood the hardships I’d face. Fucking hell… I was starting to understand why my father had been a complete and utter dick growing up. “Can you do this for me?”
“I’ll need to talk to Stefan.”
“He’ll agree to it.” I’d hire them myself if he didn’t. Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea.
“Okay,” he said, sighing.
Wanting to ease the tension around his eyes, I brushed my fingers along the side of his face. His hand caught mine, holding it against his warm cheek as his eyes held mine. The intensity of his stare was becoming too much. It made me feel too much. It stirred feelings inside me that weren’t reciprocated, which in turn added fuel to my anger. I didn’t want to be angry at Jamie. Nor did I want to take my frustrations out on him.
To seek comfort, I scooted myself closer, burrowing my head under his chin. He let go of my hand to coil his arm around my back. The feel of his warmth and the strength beneath the hard planes of his body made my heart gallop. Memories from this morning flooded my mind, his fingers trailing over my skin, the way they'd worked me into a frenzy until I'd shattered.
I knew I was in trouble when the line between rational thought and the ache tingling within me blurred. Up this close, he was intoxicating. As if my body had a mind of its own, I arched, pressing more of myself against him. My nose rubbed along his neck and my hands fisted the front of his shirt, afraid he’d pull away.
His arm around me tightened. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to hold me still or pull me closer. I tested the waters by pressing my lips to his neck. He let out a shaky breath. Removing his arm from my back, his hand cupped the back of my bare thigh before he hiked my leg over his hip. He leaned into me, pushing his leg between mine, thigh meeting my core. I shivered as his fingers glided up under the skirt of my dress. His touch was slow and tortuous. My body buzzing with need, I rocked myself against his muscular thigh. His hand jumped to the back of my neck, urging me to look at him.
Apprehensive, my gaze ascended slowly. When I finally met his gorgeous hazel eyes, I gasped. They were darkened and hooded with lust. He inched his face closer to mine until our noses brushed. I was dying to close the distance, but I still wasn’t completely convinced he wanted this, wanted me.
His restraint seemed to break, and his lips slammed over mine. The kiss was bruising yet passionate, like he couldn’t get enough. His tongue demanded entry by licking at the seam of my lips. I eagerly opened for him. His delicious tongue plunged and stroked along mine. The more our kiss deepened, the needier I felt. My core pulsated. It was consuming and I did nothing to fight it. I wanted to give in to this, to him.
My leg tightened around his hip, pulling him even closer until my pelvis kissed his growing desire. I was gifted a throaty groan. The sound was gruff, addictive, and urged me on. I snaked my fingers into his hair and tugged gently.
With little effort, he rolled me onto my back. He yanked my hand from his hair and pinned it to the bed. A muffled groan escaped him again as his lips traveled down my jaw, along my neck, nipping as he went. A full body shiver rippled through me as he reached that delicate spot below my ear. I moaned as his teeth grazed it.
He stilled, body going completely rigid above me. Then he ripped himself away, climbing off the bed so quick, the heat from his body still lingered on mine. I sat up slowly, slightly dizzy and also a little nervous. He stood a few feet away from the bed, head downcast.
Our labored breaths filled the silent bedroom. My lips felt swollen. I didn’t dare touch them. My