I do neither, thank the gods. But I can't resist testing her reaction to me by reaching over her head to grab a coffee mug. As I expect, she freezes when I flex my bare abs and arms.
“Good morning,” I mutter.
I don't think she even hears me. She’s watching a bead of sweat trickle down my chest like it’s the most interesting thing she’s ever seen. Her green eyes track the progress of the drop until it disappears into the waistband of my sweatpants.
She wants me.
The thought makes me want to roar in triumph and sweep her off her feet. I hold myself back again, willing myself not to get a boner and ruin the moment.
I guess unflappable self-control is my new fucking superpower.
Take that, mom.
SHEENA
Blood rushesto my cheeks, and my heart hums shamelessly in my chest.
This man is dangerous, and I've just made a fool of myself. I’m not sure which is worse. He must have some kind of mind-control power because there's no reason I should be objectifying a complete stranger.
Christ, I stared at that man like he was a piece of meat. All he was trying to do was get some coffee. Part of me is embarrassed, but the other part is still obsessing over his sweaty muscles and how tiny he makes me feel. Seriously, is it even natural to be that tall?
I should be scared, so why do I want to get closer?I blame my deranged behavior on the stress of the last twenty-four hours.
Gideon watches me silently from a safe distance away, sipping his coffee from a swiveling chrome barstool. Since he’s studying me, I return the favor. Dark blonde hair falls in messy curls around his ears, and there's some stubble built up on his jaw. I can’t tell what he’s thinking, but if I had to guess, he’s probably worried his houseguest is about to jump him.
For a second, I imagine what it would feel like to cross the room and press my lips to his. Would they be soft or is a man of his size incapable of being gentle? A shiver runs down my spine.
Oh my god, I did it again.
When I see him smirking behind his coffee cup, I mentally slap myself. I’ve got to snap out of it.
After the best night of sleep I’ve had in years, I decided this was a good chance to find out more about the supernatural world. Ever since I was violently tossed into the middle of it, I’ve been wildly unprepared. Maybe if I understood more about what was going on, I’d have an easier time staying out of it. Either way, as long as I feel safe here, this is a rare opportunity for me.
I clear my throat.
“So, you're a shapeshifter, Gideon?” When he smiles at me, it encourages me to keep going. “How long have you known about that?”
His smile doesn’t fade, but he looks confused now.
I’m just relieved he’s not mad.
“I've always known,” he explains. “Both my parents are omnis. My dad prefers birds of prey, but my mom likes cats.”
His deep voice rolls over me and his eyes twinkle. More bare skin appears in the corner of my vision. I blink a few times.What did he say?
“You always were a momma's boy.” Callum dodges Gideon's playful punch as he joins us in the kitchen, his husky chuckle echoing around the room.
My mouth goes dry. He's shirtless too.
Jesus, does no one in this house fully dress themselves?
I’m just trying to drink my coffee and mind my own business, and this guy is strutting around in nothing but athletic shorts and a backwards cap, his tattooed chest and arms on display, just asking me to...
Goddammit.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I’ve now lived long enough to see myself become a walking, talking, waving in the wind, red flag. I add shame to the growing list of unpleasant emotions churning in my gut.
It’s not fair.
