“Yeah. It’s magically infused beer specifically for demons. You already know supes have a faster metabolism than humans?” I nod, then wince, my tender head making me instantly regret the gesture. Coffee, I need coffee. I pour myself a mug while Selene continues to explain what happened. “A quicker metabolism means it’s more difficult for some supernaturals to feel the effects of normal alcohol—it depends on the type and magical strength of the supe.”
“So, the Devil’s Brew…?”
“Got you drunker than a new student during freshers’ week? Yep.” She pops the ‘p’ then takes another sip of coffee, her bright-blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I’m glad you find this funny.” Selene shrugs one shoulder, her lips twitching in a half smile. “Wait, you said I had one bottle?”
“More like half.”
“If it’s meant for demons, why did it hit me so hard?”
“You’re still wearing this, remember?” She reaches into the neckline of my white t-shirt, pulling out the amulet and toying with the pendant for a moment before letting it fall against my chest. “Your magic’s dampened to the point you barely register as a demon to other supes—something Maverick, the fucking moron, knew full-well when he gave you the beer,” she seethes. It’s pretty hot seeing her so riled up on my behalf. If I weren’tstill so hungover and worried about what I might have said and done last night, I might try to do something about it. As it stands, I’ll have to settle for admiring her—not exactly a hardship.
What she said finally sinks into my sluggish brain. “Wait, so that means he messed with me on purpose?” I ask, affronted. I’ve barely spoken to the guy. Why would he do something like this?
“Yeah.” She loops her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest as if needing to reassure herself that I’m fine. “Garrett was fuming. Mav’ll be lucky if he still has a job after pulling a stunt like that.”
Serves the arsehole right.
“Why do I feel like there’s more you’re not telling me?” I ask, using my thumb and forefinger to tilt her chin up so she’s looking at me.
Her breath catches, and her gaze falls to my lips before flicking back to meet my eyes. She swallows thickly before answering. “I think it’s best for your ego if we pretend like last night never happened.”
I grimace. “That bad, huh?”
“Not great.” She pats my cheek. “Don’t worry, I still love you.” Selene’s eyes go wide, and she freezes. “Um, no. That’s not… I mean I?—”
“You love me?” I ask breathlessly, feeling like my entire existence hangs in the balance, euphoria or despair ahead depending on her answer.
“We said we’d take things slow.” She tries to look away, but I slide a hand into her dark hair, gently keeping her attention on me, not letting her shatter the moment.
“That’s not what I asked,” I say, lips brushing featherlight against hers. “Do you love me, Selene?”
“Yes.”
One light kiss to her lips. “Yes, what?”
Blue eyes narrow at me. “Yes, I love you. Happy?” she asks, a stubborn set to her jaw like she’s daring me to be anything other than overjoyed.
“The happiest I’ve ever been,” I reply solemnly, then lightly nip at her earlobe. “I love you too by the way. Just in case you were wondering.”
She smacks my chest with the back of her hand. “You’re such a dick.”
“But youloveme,” I reply smugly, wrapping my arms around her waist and hugging her to me tightly.
“Yes, I fucking love you.” Selene glides her hands over my chest and up over my shoulders. “Now shut up and kiss me.”
Selene meets me halfway and, from the first brush of our lips, the kiss is electric. There’s no slow buildup, not this time. The dam holding us back has burst, and now there’s no stopping us.
Using my grip on her waist, I hoist her onto the kitchen island, and her thighs squeeze tightly around my hips. Selene slips her hands beneath the hem of my t-shirt exploring the planes of my torso. Keen to give her better access, I whip off the cotton shirt and toss it aside.
Selene’s blue eyes shine bright with desire as she drinks me in. Recapturing her mouth with mine, I tangle my tongue with hers in a kiss full of filthy promises. When I slip one hand beneath the hem of her borrowed t-shirt and skim my fingertips over her centre through her underwear, she gasps, her painted nails digging into my back.
Trailing kisses along my jaw and down my neck, her hands fall to my waistband where she toys with the button of my jeans. The whir of my zip sounds loud among our light gasps, but it’s nothing compared to my low moan when I feel Selene’s hand around me for the first time.
Moving her panties to the side, I glide a teasing finger along her seam and up to circle her clit without touching it. She’sso wet for me, which only makes me harder as I repeat the movement. Selene mewls in frustration, and I smile into the crook of her shoulder. Giving as good as she gets, Selene caresses the length of my shaft, making my hips buck forward into her hand.
“I want to taste you,” I murmur between open-mouthed kisses, my voice thick with desire.
