“Gods, Eve—” A half groan tore free from him, his erection a hard, tempting length against her throbbing center. “Eve, stop.” He lowered her down to her feet. Easing away, he searched her face.
“Why?” she growled. “I know you want me.”
He rubbed his jaw; a streak of red slashed his cheekbones. “I can't take advantage of your vulnerable state.”
“Vulnerable—vulnerable?” she snapped, unable to think past the need roiling through her like wildfire.
“It’s…the scroll. I would take it from you if I could, but I can’t. Just hang onto it for a little bit longer. We’ll put it in a safe place. And you’ll be fine.”
Panting, she glared at him. “You should have warned me,” she hissed through teeth clenched so hard her jaw hurt.
“I’m sorry, Eve.”
Yeah, he was sorry. Try being a twenty-five-year-old virgin, who was so horny she was seconds from ripping his clothes off. She shoved back strands from her heated face and stomped away in frustration.
After several deep breaths, which did little to ease her, Eve went back to where she’d dropped the scroll. Keeping her gaze off him was the devil’s work. But she did. She picked up the parchment and pushed it back into another lead tube he held out.
“Eve—”
“Let’s just get out of here.” She didn’t look at him, just headed for the door with that stupid ball of light following them.
***
Eve found Lucan wearing a path outside her apartment. And was tempted not to invite him inside. Did he think she’d renege on her promise that he had to make a personal appearance?
She was well aware that he didn’t like her. But right then, she cared little for his reasons because that priest—mage, whatever the hell he was, looked damn tempting, too. Being in Reynner’s arms again as he dematerialized them back, did little to cool her ardor.
Lucan examined the scroll she’d removed from the tube and left on the dining table without touching it. They weren’t taking any chances with the parchment disappearing again. He turned to speak to Reynner.
Whatever he said didn’t register; she had no interest in their conversation.
Good thing Lucan was easy on the eyes. Far better to gaze at him than to long for what was so far out of her reach. Hell, it would probably be easier to get Lucan into bed than Reynner. She certainly didn't want Lucan, but with needs so rampant, she felt like someone else possessed her body.
She rubbed trembling palms down her yoga pants. God,she needed some damn relief…
***
The musky scent of Eve’s arousal tormented Reynner as she paced near the window. His entire body wired hard in response to her needs, his sex rigid and uncomfortable behind his fly.
He shoved clenched hands into his pockets. She didn't understand. If he touched her the way she—hell,hewanted, he’d taint her with the filth roiling inside him —the darkness—andthathe refused to let happen.
“Eve,” Lucan called out. “Let’s get started.”
She paused in her restless walking. Desire stroked a flush across her cheekbones. Reynner doubted she actually saw Lucan, but while she was still trapped in the grips of the scroll’s spell, if anyone touched her right now, she wouldn’t care, all she’d seek was relief—
“No.” Reynner intercepted, putting himself between them. “Keep that away from her.”
“Reyn,” Lucan said impatiently. “This is hardly the time to get—” He stilled, nostrils flaring, irritating the shit out of Reynner. Yeah, the bastard could smell Eve’s arousal, too.
His cool eyes shifted to her for a second, then without a word, Lucan set a lead box on the dining table. And waited.
“Eve, come.” Reynner motioned for her to join him.
She wrapped her arms around her waist and shook her head. “I’m not coming near th-that thing again.”
“Eve.” He hardened his gaze so she’d get moving. “Put the scroll back inside the cylinder. We’ll do the scrying later.” When she didn't, he snapped, “Now.”
Scowling, she shot him another heated look, one laced with anger and edged with desire.
