Blaise was throwing punches at the heavy-duty punching bag that hung from the ceiling by thick cords as I strolled into the gym. A cloud of dust particles released into the air from the bag, distorting my view of his hands.
I took a moment to stand back and watch as his biceps bulged and back muscles rippled with each punch under the black ink decorating his pale skin. He stilled, rolling his neck before snapping his eyes to mine.
“You’ve got to stop eye-fucking me during training,” he told me with a strained voice.
My gaze flicked down toward his basketball shorts, where he sported a thickened erection, and my insides clenched in desperate need. The constant core clenching around these fucking vampires was getting painful. I needed that release like I needed blood.
“Fuck,” he groaned. “Poppy, if you don’t stop projecting your dirty thoughts onto me, I’ll fuck you against this punching bag.”
Desire slithered through my veins as I took a tiny step forward. “Tell me that’s not a threat, but a promise?”
Before I could blink, Blaise had my back against the bag, legs wrapped around his waist, and his tongue inside my mouth as he devoured me. I wound my arms around his neck and ran my fingers through his spiked hair.
I let out a moan filled with pleasure as I rocked my hips against his. “I like this form of training better anyway,” I purred.
He ripped himself off me, and I caught myself as I dropped to the mat. My heart thumped, pulsing in my throat, as I tried to get my bearings.
“I’ll do more to you once you graduate from me, but you have to earn that reward, Poppy.” His gray eyes were a few shades darker than usual, and I could smell a sweet scent of arousal in the air from both of us.
My tongue darted out to wet my lips. “Suit yourself.”
His head tilted back with an irritated groan. “The faster you beat me, the faster we can pick up where we left off.”
“Think fast, then.” I pushed all my sexual frustration into him as I grabbed his shoulders and brought my lips to his.
He noticed mid-tackle, but by the time my skin made contact with his, he surrendered to me. His back hit the mat, and I straddled his waist, pinning his wrists to the mat on either side of his head with extra strength.
Sucking in the lust, I pulled back and stared down at him with a grin. “Pinned you.”
His eyes studied me, moving down toward my sports bra as he gulped. “You play dirty.”
“You have no idea how dirty I can play.” I swung my leg over him and stood, offering my hand. “Besides, you said there was no fair play in fighting. One of three defeats done.”
He took my hand, and I helped him to his feet. “Ace, but if I may add some criticism?”
“Mm?”
He moved his thumb in circles over the back of my hand. “You won’t be able to kiss an abandoned like that.”
I pulled my hand back and crossed my arms. “No, but I can blast them with lust and make them uncomfortable. I did it with anger last night, and it sent one into a frenzy where its movements were sloppy.”
He let out an appreciative hum. “Point taken, but do well to remember this…” He stepped forward, nose brushing mine and gaze so predatory it made my knees weak. “I’m fine with sharing you with my brothers, but don’t test my patience fucking around with anyone else.”
Excitement thrummed through my veins. Blaise’s protectiveness was sexy. I licked my lips and closed the distance between us, kissing him softly.
“You three are the only ones on my mind,” I mumbled.
He pulled away. “Good. Keep it that way.”
“I’m not sure Thaddeus would agree,” I said in a huff.
“Thaddeus has a lot of shit that he hasn’t dealt with incenturies. Don’t take it personal, and word of advice?”
I lifted a brow.
“Don’t let him push you away. He needs us all, but most importantly you.”
My heart slammed against my chest as heat rushed up to my neck, and I glanced away. “I want to figure him out, but he doesn’t want me. I’m not going to force myself on him.”
