Lips brushing the shell of my ear, he whispered, “I did, this morning in the shower. Didn’t you sense it?”
Heat flooded my cheeks as I recalled the sounds he’d made. I’d definitely enjoyed it far more than I was supposed to, but a succubus can only resist a free meal for so long before she samples the goods.
And damn it all to hell, Lucifer’s lust was fucking delicious.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I muttered, finally pushing away from the counter. The relief was instant, my senses clearing of him, which brought a much-needed wave of clarity.
“Little liar,” he teased, pouring hot water into his mug before plopping a tea bag inside. “If you didn’t know, why are you blushing? And why can I smell your arousal?”
I flipped him off.
Was it effective? Of course not, the asshole laughed in my face and looked far too good doing it.
But he was right, and we both knew it. One couldn’t argue pheromones.
“Just because you’re baiting me with lust. I’m a succubus. I feed off the stuff.”
“So you do want me. Good to know. Thank you for confirming.”
“Put a starving vegetarian in a steakhouse and her tummy’s gonna rumble. It’s biology, simple as that.”
He stepped closer to me, mimicking the position we were in the last time he kissed me, and God help me, I didn’t back away.
Andi’s voice echoed in my mind, like the guardian angel she’d become, though this time she was more of a naughty devil on my shoulder.Come on, babes. Just give in already. Who’s it gonna hurt? Him, that’s who. And bonus, you’d have the answer to a question plaguing the rest of womankind. How good is Lucifer in bed? See? It’s for science. Two birds, one bone.
I was pretty sure that last part was something Sin said.
“I know you’ve been feeding from them, my sweet,” Lucifer whispered, brushing his knuckles down my cheek. “You’re not hungry. Not in the least. That desire you feel is all you. It’sus. Why can’t you admit you want me as I want you?”
Ugh.
He was too smart for his own good, and I had to abort this mission before he had his way with me on the kitchen island.
“I’d rather my fingers fall off from overuse than give in to you.”
And with that rather snappy comeback, if I do say so myself, I spun around and all but ran from the kitchen.
“Don’t sprain your wrist, darling!” he called, laughter threaded through his voice.
I was still grumbling under my breath when I kicked the bedroom door closed behind me. It wasn’t until I stood in themiddle of my room that I realized I was clutching an empty plate. I never did get what I’d gone in there for.
Shit.
Did he notice?
Of course he did.
I flopped onto the bed with a groan. This plan was backfiring spectacularly.
I might’ve been well fed, sated, and rebuilding the connections I needed with my men, but Lucifer still affected me. How could I tell them that? Should I? With everything they had going on, it might not be the wisest choice to add to their already overflowing burdens. Or maybe they already knew. They were the ones who stressed the need to act quickly. To make Lucifer think he stood a chance so he could be trapped.
During our dreamwalk last night, they'd been confident we would succeed. Confident or desperate? After we wore ourselves out, they filled me in on what they’d learned from Auntie Lilith, and more concerningly, how Malice’s son had been taken along with Sunday Fallon, the daughter of War. Time was running out on all sides.
Malice put on a brave face, but I knew the truth. His emotions gave him away. His fear for his son was palpable. More than anything, I wanted to help right that wrong.
And, you know, save mankind.
Which meant I couldn’t put this off any longer. All roads led to the dream realm. And to Grim. Tonight I had to put on my big-girl panties and face the horseman who rejected me. He might think he’s not my mate, but I knew it.
