The Ringmaster (Harrow Faire #4) - Kathryn Ann Kingsley Page 0,63

knew was her. His muscles spasmed as he buried himself in her to the hilt. She cried his name, her arms going around him, holding him as they met their release together.

It wasn’t long before they were lying in the sheets together, panting, all tangled limbs and sated needs. Her eyes were shut, her lips parted, as she struggled to cool her body. She was covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

They would need a shower.

He grinned. As soon as he could feel his legs, he’d be ready to pin her to the tile. Or maybe he’d get her on her knees, and he could fill that pretty mouth of hers. He reached out and let his thumb trace along the line of her lower lip.

“Hi,” she muttered. “Wow.”

“I am imagining doing terrible things to you, Cora. I think you’ve woken the beast in me again.”

“Give me…like…five minutes. And a shower.” She smiled. Gray smoky eyes met his. “And maybe a glass of water.”

He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her. “Do you feel better, at least?”

“Yeah. A little.”

“Only a little? Then I haven’t done my job.” He grunted as he got up, shuffling out of the bed, and cracked his back loudly. He reached down and scooped her up. She yelped and clung to him as he slung her over his shoulder. He was careful not to smack her head on the walls of the small space.

“Simon! Put me down!” She squeaked and laughed.

“No.” He strolled, grinning like a fool, into the bathroom. She slapped and clawed at him, but he didn’t mind it. He whistled as he turned on the water. He lowered her to her feet only after they were in the running water. He kissed her like he was going to devour her soul.

He had wanted to do that once.

But now…he found this distinctly more enjoyable.

Funny how things changed.

She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. They were soaked again, this time in water and not in sweat.

Is this happiness?

I think it is.

Well, would you look at that.

Cora’s back met the shower tiles as Simon pressed her there. The cool surface felt good against the hot water and her already overheated body. But she knew they were far from finished. She shoved at him, only to have him press her harder against the wall. He was kissing her just as roughly, and she loved it. It was a different kind of trading fists. It was a different kind of wrestling match, but just as enjoyable.

She had left nail marks and scratches on his arms, but the bits of blood she had drawn washed away in the water that poured over them. She was a little disappointed. She wanted to leave bruises on him. She wanted to leave a mark.

Oh, well. The pros and cons of healing quickly.

When he broke the kiss, she tilted her head back against the wall to catch her breath. But she thought she might lose it again at the sight of him. She stroked her hands over his bare chest, enjoying the way his muscles rippled as she traced their contours. His dark hair was soaked, straightening the wild curls until they reached his jaw. She slid her hands up to run her fingers through the strands, loving the feel of it.

He looked good wet. He looked good normally. But he looked exceptionally good when he was wet. And those damn eyes of his. They had terrified her once. Now she knew she’d miss them if they shifted back to normal. They suited him. They were such a perfect representation of the man himself.

“What?” He arched a dark eyebrow.

“Enjoying the view.”

He sneered. “I know a view I’d like to enjoy.” He cupped her cheek, resting his thumb against the hollow of her chin. “Get on your knees.”

She smacked his hand away and glared at him. “Mmm…nah.”

He chuckled. A dark and cruel sound. “Oh?”

She grinned back at him. It was a challenge. “I don’t think I want to.”

He tugged her away from the wall. She shoved at him again, but he caught her wrists and yanked them behind her back. She grunted in surprise more than pain. He turned them, placing his own back against the wall. Her breasts pillowed against his chest. She felt his growling words almost more than she heard them. “I can make you.”

She shivered despite the hot water that was rushing down her back. The words should terrify her. They should send her into a panic.