I fan the book against my face like it’ll cool me down, but it only makes me smile like an idiot, my fingers absently trailing around the curve of my breast.
A buzz against my thigh has me reaching for my phone again. I thought I muted that chat already. But when I glance at the screen, Drake’s name is at the top of my notifications.
Mr. October: You in bed yet, pumpkin?
I bite my lip, pulse quickening. He’s supposed to be tucking Sienna in.
Yeah. With my book. Got to get my dragon fix somehow.
Three dots dance, vanish, then return.
Mr. October: If only I could fly over and finish what we started.
A laugh slips out of me, shaking my chest. He’s ridiculous. And yet, here I am, grinning at my phone like a teenager.
What’s Sienna doing?
Mr. October: Finally asleep.
…
Mr. October: Now let’s make your book a little more interesting
I hesitate, thumb hovering. My body answers before my brain can catch up, heat spreading low and insistent.
Define interesting.
My phone vibrates again, but this time it isn’t a text. His name lights the screen. I stare at the video icon, nervesfizzing in my veins. My finger hovers over the green button, wondering if I should answer or not, but he’s already seen me at my worst and he still stuck around, so before I overthink some more, I take in a lungful of air and swipe.
“Can’t let me read in peace?” My words come out like a breathy whisper as I take him in on screen. His gorgeous smile and… “Are you naked?”
A deep rumble sounds through the phone. He lifts one arm, his hand resting behind his head, scales rippling on his biceps. “You caught me.” His lips curl into a grin. He holds the phone away from him more, showing me the full dragon on his chest, scales wrapping around his waist, disappearing under a grey duvet.
“What’s up, can’t you sleep?” I bite my lip, studying the magnificent ink covering his body.
“There’s no way in hell I can sleep after tonight,” he says, his voice deep and rough in my ear. “Read to me.”
A shiver skates down my spine. Even through the phone, he’s in control. I swallow, glancing down at the open paperback in my lap. “Funny… this chapter’s in the hero’s POV. I think you need to read to me.”
A low laugh rumbles through the phone speaker. “Pumpkin, I don’t need your book. I’ve got plenty to say.” His voice drops low and husky, like molten running between my thighs. “But I like that you’re trying to boss me around. You’ll be a good little reader for me in a minute.”
Heat pools low in my belly. I press my thighs together, the duvet suddenly stifling.
“Go on then,” I whisper, breathless. “Say something worth underlining.”
The silence that follows crackles through the phone. When he finally speaks, each word curls through the speaker. “Are you still wet for me, Ember?”
My lungs seize. My fingers clutch the book tighter, knuckles white.
“Drake…” My voice cracks, half warning, half plea.
“Answer me.” The steel in his tone melts my resistance, coiling tight around my insides. “You told me you were dripping earlier. Did that change, pumpkin? Or are you lying in bed, squirming, wishing my tongue was between those thick thighs?”
I gasp, burying my face in the pillow, my free hand already sliding lower.
“Mm.” His growl vibrates through the phone. “That’s what I thought. Now, let me paint you a scene… my scene. You’re not reading tonight. You’re listening.”
I’m dreaming. I must be because holy smokes, this man. My panting breaths dampen my pillow. My thighs are clenched so tight, holding in the pool of heat weeping from my centre.
