This shifter male wanted her.If he hadn’t, he would’ve placed her in one of the empty rooms, and there were dozens because she’d explored the house during Mikhail’s absence.Second, he would’ve rejected her brazen suggestion.He’d done neither.
He flipped open buttons with expertise, his gaze on her breasts bringing heat to her face again.Shocking, considering she hardly ever blushed.He slipped the sleeves down her arms and tossed the garment aside.
“Beautiful,” he said in a husky voice.
“Did you see my photo before you met me?”
“I did, and it was a recent one, but seeing you in person is different.You looked grumpy.”
“Ah.My grandmother and I are similar, I fear.We’re not patient, so photos taken under those circumstances wouldn’t show my best features.”
“Are you feeling resentful toward her?”
“Are you angry with your grandfather for pushing you in a direction you don’t wish to go?”
“Yes.”
“Likewise,” Edwina said, temper roiling, her feline pushing at her control.Her canines sharpened, and her claws lengthened beneath her fingernails.“I’m furious at my grandmother, and I’m not sure how I’ll react when I see her.”She focused on her breathing, a technique that always helped her to calm and regain control.“I don’t want to discuss my grandmother.We’re alone.We have an enormous bed.”She lifted her head and winked.“We should take advantage of this opportunity.”
Mikhail chuckled, but not for long.He scooped her off her feet and carried her to the bed.He placed her on the mattress and followed her down, caging her in his arms.
“You’re amazing,” he whispered.“So strong and not at all who I expected.”
Before she replied, he kissed her again, demanding and with intent.He framed her face with his hands and kissed the stuffing out of her until desire and urgency consumed her.His hands skimmed her body.It felt as if he was strumming every pleasure point until she writhed beneath him, desperate for progression.So frantic.Hungry little noises escaped her, and he parted their mouths, ending the kiss.He smiled down at her, his beautiful eyes twinkling with satisfaction.
“I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.
“What?”she shrieked with mock horror.“You want to give me back?Surely not.”
He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose, the exuberant sound bringing a grin to her.“We’re staying right where we are until need forces us to leave.”His mouth twisted, some of the joy leaving his expression.“Probably in the morning.”
Edwina turned his gaze to hers by placing her hands on his jawline.“We’ll worry about everything tomorrow.”She used her strength to roll him onto his back and pounced, laughing as she did so.
“What are you doing?”
“It’s my turn to explore.That’s fair.I haven’t had the opportunity, and I should take advantage of the freedom.”
He relaxed, the usually harsh angles of his face absent.He was a handsome man with no spare flesh.She straddled his legs before running her fingers over his shoulder and pectoral muscles.Firm flesh resisted the press of her hands, and she hummed under her breath.“Nice.”
He twinkled at her.“I thought you intended to explore.”
“Oh, I do.”
She wriggled back until the hardness of his cock prodded her backside.“Ah,” she said.“Undeniable masculine interest.”
He chuffed out a breath, the exhalation containing humor.“Waiting.”
“Yes, of course.”Edwina stared at the acres of tanned skin, the sculpted muscles.“It’s difficult to decide where to start.”
“Everywhere, and I suggest you hurry because I have limited patience.”
Edwina nodded.She leaned close and licked across the mark she’d placed on his neck.His gasp delighted her, and she toyed with the raised flesh.Mikhail shuddered, his fingers closing on her biceps.His muscles coiled as he flipped her.She stared up at him and pouted.“It was my turn.”
“You were taking too long.”His husky voice had turned to gravel, influenced by his tiger.“Mine,” he said, and this time, she shivered.
How had this happened so fast?Mere days ago, she’d understood her path and what she wanted to do with her life.Her plan hadn’t included this handsome, mighty tiger.
Her mate.
