"I'm teasing," I promise, brushing my lips against hers again. "Your room sounds like a good destination."
"Good. Then come on. We can find a good spot for the trophy afterwards." She takes my hand and pulls me out of the alcove.
I follow her towards the stairs, trying not to think too much about what's coming next in fear that I'm going to stop thinking completely.
Chapter 10
LOTTIE
The hunger within me is something I've not felt many times before in my life. I've wanted people before, but for some reason, this need feels a lot more intense.
I've barely managed to get the door unlocked when Archie pushes me against it and kisses me with a lot more hunger than I expect, which is entirely welcome.
"We should move into the room," I murmur into our kiss, already thinking about all the things we can do once the door is closed and we have proper privacy.
"Yes," he says, pulling away.
I regret the loss of connection, even if I know it's necessary. I put the trophy and my bag down after locking the door behind us. I flutter my wings to uncramp them, causing a new concerned expression to cross Archie's face.
"Your wings," he says with concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I promise, reaching out to touch his face. "You're not going to hurt them."
"How is that possible?"
"They're tougher than they look. Touch them, you'll see." I turn around, baring my back to him. Despite the confidence in my words, I'm a little nervous about the idea of him touching them. I don't normally let anyone do that. But then I remember how it felt when he touched them before, and all of my reservations vanish. I want him to touch my wings.
His fingers trace against the stumps where my wings attach to my back, sending a shiver down my spine in response.
"Lottie?"
"It's fine," I assure him. "They're just sensitive."
"Okay." Archie's fingers whisper over the thin membrane of my forewing, and without meaning to, I stretch them out, making him laugh.
"Sorry."
"They're beautiful," he says, his touch becoming firmer as he moves further down.
A warm feeling spreads through me, and I turn around so I can face him. "I'm glad you think so."
"I do," he murmurs, leaning in.
My eyes flutter closed as his lips brush against mine. It's soft at first, but it deepens when I nip his bottom lip with my teeth.
He groans, snaking a hand around my waist and pulling me against him so I can feel every inch of him against me. And I mean every inch.
Hunger settles within my stomach, and it has nothing to do with food. I pop open the top button of his shirt, not thinking about anything other than what's to come.
He doesn't have to ask me if I'm sure. He can tell that I am, and probably knows that he wouldn't be here if I didn't want him to be.
His shirt falls to the floor with a soft thud, letting me smooth my hands over his chest. His dark purple skin is warm to the touch, only making me want to go further.
Archie undoes the zip of my shirt, and I wriggle out of it, allowing it to join his on the floor. His hand brushes against my lower back, and I arch into him, desperate for more. Not wanting to waste any more time, I fumble with his belt buckle, while his tail smoothes up my leg and the smooth conical point bumps against the hem of my skirt.
I swallow hard as the point of his tail gets beneath it, touching the bare skin of my upper thigh. My lips part, and I can barely think as it finds the edge of my panties. My skin is so sensitive that it's impossible not to respond.
"Is this okay?" he murmurs against my lips.
