He neared the front door, inhaling instinctively to catch the scent of whoever was nearby.
And then he stilled, his bear releasing a furious growl as the earthy smell registered.
Vampire.
Chapter 18
Nessa felt like she was floating on a euphoric cloud as she followed Murphy toward the front door, his large sweater ending at her mid-thigh, covering her nakedness. Her body was buzzing, her inner thighs still damp from her orgasm.
She still couldn’t believe she’d kissed Murphy. Well, she’d done way more than just kiss him. Aftershocks coursed through her still, a teasing reminder of the passion they’d shared only a few minutes before. As soon as he’d slid his lips over hers, returning her affection, she’d lost herself in him. Being in his arms, realizing he was as drawn to her as she was to him … Thathewanted her … It was a heady feeling, and she’d been unable to resist it.
To resisthim.
When was the last time she’d done something so wanton? No idea. She was definitely rusty with any sexual interactions. But with Murphy, it had felt as natural as breathing. And when he’d encouraged her to ride him, his guttural groans filling her ears, his hands squeezing her ass as he thrust his cock between her thighs, she’d thought of nothing but pleasing him. She had wanted him to experience the same pleasure that thrummed through her veins.
It was such a bold, uncharacteristic move for her. Once upon a time, years ago, she was daring like that. Adventurous and carefree. A sexual being who was proud of her body. She felt that way now, and it was all because of Murphy. Because of the way he made her feel. The way he treated her; not like she was some broken, damaged victim. But like she was a woman.
His woman.
Her face heated. She was his woman, wasn’t she? They were in a relationship now, after all. Giddiness swept through her at the thought, and it was all she could do to keep a silly grin off of her face as she followed him into his living room.
Her gaze gravitated toward his ass as he moved, the dark denim jeans encasing his muscular legs only adding to how mouthwatering he looked. Her fingers itched to trace over his bare skin. To touch him and learn every curve and angle of his body.
She reached out, intending to do just that.
A sudden spike of anxiety hit her hard, and Nessa dropped her hand as if she’d just burned it. She swallowed thickly, looking away from Murphy and to the floor as despair threatened to close in on her.
This is all new. It’s fine to be nervous. Murphy told you he’d go at whatever pace you wanted.
Nessa sucked in a trembling breath, determined to not let her negative emotions get the best of her. Not now, atleast. She wanted to enjoy tonight, not worry about all the ways a relationship between them wouldn’t work out. But the depressing thoughts invaded, anyway.
Even if Murphy could truly look past the fact that she was a human, could she get over her own issues?
She wanted to say yes, to tell her fear, her worries, and her past to fuck right off. But it wasn’t that simple, and it might never be.
What does mating him even entail?
She didn’t really know that either. Hunny and Tank had bitten each other, but she wasn’t a shifter. She couldn’t just take a bite out of Murphy … right? That seemed absurd. And what if he bit her to claim her and the pain triggered a panic attack? She’d taint something special with her unresolved trauma, and she’d feel horrible.
She didn’t want that. Didn’t want to diminish what was growing between them.
Murphy stiffened as he neared the front door, a low, menacing growl rumbling from his throat. Instantly, Nessa froze, eyes rounding in trepidation as every other thought fled. This wasn’t the cute, grumpy growl that she adored.
It was the warning rumble of a predator ready to maul someone to death. Another knock sounded at the door, and Murphy’s growl intensified, tension lining his shoulders.
“Murphy?” Nessa willed her feet to move, the tremble in her legs nothing to do with her post-orgasmic haze and everything to do with the fear ignited from whatever peril lurked on the other side of that door.
Just as she neared him, Murphy moved, reaching around and grabbing hold of her hand. He pulled her to him, keeping her front pressed to his back, acting as a barrier between her and their unexpected visitor.
“Who’s there?” she whispered, her mouth dry.
“Constantine,” Murphy gritted out.
“Thevampire?” she hissed in shock.
Holy shit.
Nessa peered around Murphy’s body, staring at the closed door with wide, slightly horrified eyes.
