“Alone.” Wow, major bitch issues, I chided myself.
“Cool.” Ava stood easily and dove into her purse, producing an apple and a protein bar. “I never see you snack, not really. And Iknow, you’re like the guys, your body’s a temple, but you need fuel too, okay?”
She was adorably sweet. “Thank you,” I told her, and her happy smile was enough to know she knew I meant it.
“We’ll be here for about another half hour, then we’re going for coffee,” Mia said. “Text us if you’re coming; otherwise, catch you later?”
“Yeah, I’ll catch up after,” I assured her.
The two girls said their goodbyes, and I watched them go. Even with the no food policy, I surreptitiously opened the wrapper of the protein bar. My phone vibrated, and I pulled it out of my bag as I chewed.
Gray:Okay?
Me:I guess.
I thought back to what I had been thinking of before Ava and Mia interrupted my thoughts. Immediately, I was squirming again. Is this what animals felt like when they were in heat? This was ridiculous.
Gray:He never meant it the way you took it, we wouldn’t. Ever
I remembered the way he held me and the sure, confident touch of his fingers as he took ownership of me.
Ownership of me?The startling realization that I wanted to be dominated by Gray was almost as alarming as the fetish thought. Maybe I’d drunk something weird? Maybe I was having an allergic reaction to something. One that made you hot and horny and think delirious thoughts.
Gray:Why are you so quiet?
If only you knew.I couldn’t possibly answer him. He’d either run away very fast or, knowing Gray, would spread me wide on the library table and fuck me. I groaned when my pulse raced at the thought. On what planet, in what universe, do you decide on a Tuesday morning that you’re so deliciously wicked?
Gray:Quinn?
I stared at the phone for a long time, drawing my bottom lip between my teeth. I pulled my teeth over it time and again as I stared at my messages.
Me:I think my period is due
Random, but then I realized that’s what was wrong with me. I should have known as soon as my brain saidanimalandheat.
Gray:Aren’t you on the shot?Do you need painkillers?
Good grief. Not only was he listening, he was sensitive too. Could he be any more perfect?
I didn’t answer, and then he called me. Looking around, I saw no one and slipped the phone to my ear.
“I’m in the library,” I whispered.
“Oh. You okay? Do you need anything?”
“No,” I said as I swallowed, and the itch that I needed scratching ramped up as he spoke to me, his voice low. My sigh of want was too loud.
“You sure you don’t need anything?”
“I needsomething.” My eyes squeezed shut at saying that out loud. I heard Gray’s sharp intake of breath.
“Quinn?”
To hell with it. “Yesterday, you said I couldn’t. Can I . . . can I do it now?” My foot was tapping off the floor as I waited for the answer, praying he would know what I was talking about.
I heard movement, and then I heard his voice, low and tight. “Baby? Are you asking for permission?”
“I might be,” I said as I tilted my head back to look at the ceiling tiles, my whole body strumming with anticipation.
