“I'm about to drop you.”
“Oh, come on. You have more horsepower in you than that.”
I reached the end of the hall. My arms ached a little but nothing crazy. I mean, hewasheavy. What I found unusual was how tired I felt. Turning around, I started back toward the red room.
“Your steps are slowing. Giddy up, pony. It’s almost time for lunch.”
His scent hit me hard as soon as he said it. I inhaled deeply, pulling in his rich sweetness as I thought of last night’s cake dream. Would Fenris taste as mouthwatering as the cakes? Was his scent why I had those sweet, cake dreams to begin with?
My stomach growled just as we reached the door, and I released my hold.
His fingers slipped through my hair as he swept it to the side. I shivered at the feel of his breath and tried to step away from him. His hands caught my waist and held me in place. He leaned in and inhaled softly.
“You smell different.”
I shivered again at the sound of his voice close to my ear.
“Are you tired?”
“No, Fenris. I’m hungry. And you’re not helping right now. Please, let go.”
Was it my imagination that his hold tightened ever so briefly before he released me? I hoped so because he was already far too bold for my fragile control to withstand much more of his teasing.
He remained quiet until we were in the room with the door closed. I paced to the pillows and sat while internally reeling my hunger in.
Fenris strolled closer, his hands loosely in his jean pockets as he studied me.
“I know offering to get you something from the lunchroom won’t help. Any chance you’ll take me up on my previous offer?”
“Huh?” It wasn’t very articulate, but I wasn’t fully focused.
“Feed on me, Eliana. Please.”
My mouth watered at the thought, and I shook my head.
“You know I can’t.”
He sighed and sat.
“I know why you think you can’t, but haven’t we already poked enough holes in those fears? Your manipulation doesn’t work on me, which means you won’t turn me into a mindless slave. My scent is appealing, I think. Or overpowering. You weren’t clear on that, so I’m going with the former to protect my ego.”
I snorted. “Like your ego needs protection.”
“And Adira and your mom haven’t pushed anyone else at you like you thought they would.”
“It’s only been three days, Fenris.”
“Four, but you’re right. The number doesn’t matter. What matters is that it hasn’t happened. So how do you want me? Lying down? Tied down? Naked?”
“I don’t want you at all, Fenris. Now, stop it.” I fisted my hands at my sides, willing myself not to react to his words.
“Ouch. That’s just hurtful. I thought we were friends.” The ever-present humor faded from his expression and his tone.
“You know we are. That’s why I’m saying no.”
“What if I said I have a more selfish reason for the offer.”
“Like what?”
