“Unless you have an objection to me using your tub?” I lift my brows, daring him to tell me no. I would do it just to aggravate him. That’s probably not a healthy way to start a relationship, but I can’t help myself when it comes to him.
I set the lone key on the table near the entry, vowing to put it on a key chain later so it won’t be so easy to misplace. Evan and Griffin are both still standing at the entrance, as if they don’t want to leave but know they shouldn’t come in either.
I lean against the door and let it sway a little. “Do you have a key to get back in? I’m locking it,” I warn.
“He does.” Griffin nods at Evan.
“Okay, see you soon?” I don’t know why I’m so hesitant to close the door. I’m around them more than any other guy I’ve ever dated, and it still doesn’t feel like it’s enough.
Evan is the first to make a move. He bends forward and plants a kiss on my lips, nibbling softly. I return the affection, taking a step closer to him so I can feel the heat of his body closer to mine. Sooner than I would like, he’s pulling back, and I’m licking my bottom lip. He spins on his heel and takes a few steps away from the door.
My eyes go to Griffin’s. He hasn’t been shy with his affection, but I still remember the times he would check to see if anyone was around before leaving my room, so I’m not sure if he’s going to give me a parting kiss. “Are you anxious to get rid of me, sweetness?”
“What? No,” I scoff quickly.
“That’s not what your body’s telling me.” He lowers his chin and peers at me. I click my tongue, not sure how to address what he just said. I’m not anxious. “Is there another reason why your heart rate picked up to a nervous flutter? Do you not want to be alone? One of us can stay with you.”
“Are you going to kiss me or not?” I blurt.
Griffin’s brows shoot up before a sly grin graces his lips. “You’re worried I’m not going to kiss you?” He says it like it’s the cutest thing he’s ever heard, and I scowl. This man’s head is already big enough, I don’t need to inflate it any more.
“No, bye.” I slam the door shut and reach for the deadbolt, but I’m not fast enough. Griffin is standing in front of me, way faster and way closer than I could have imagined.
“Not so fast,” he mumbles. “You might be okay without a goodbye kiss, but I’m not.” He takes another step forward, and I take one back. “Why would you think I wouldn’t kiss you?” His words are spoken quietly, almost to himself.
I shrug. “I don’t know, but you would always make sure no one saw you leaving my room.”
Griffin’s head tilts to the side. “It was to protect you.” By the time he’s done speaking, my back is against the wall and he’s in front of me. There’s not an inch of space between us.
“From whom?” I breathe.
“From me.” I don’t have a chance to respond, because his lips are on mine in the next second. His kiss is hard and claiming. There’s no mistaking its meaning.
When he pulls back, he’s breathing hard and so am I. “Lock the door,” he orders before spinning on his heel. The door snaps closed soundlessly, and I’m still stuck in the same spot, staring after him as I wonder what he meant by his statement. Two loud knocks rattle the door and surrounding frame.
I scamper over and flip the deadbolt. “Forget the bath, I need a cold shower.”
I talk a pretty big game about being fine alone, but the truth is I don’t much like it. I went from living at home to the dorms at college, then sharing a house with some friends, and there was always someone coming and going there. Griffin’s place feels big and empty without them here.
I debate turning on the TV just for the noise but decide against it. Instead, I grab the book I was reading the other night off the arm of the chair and carry it into the bedroom. Arranging the pillows against the massive headboard, I climb up into the bed and curl my legs under the covers. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the chill in this place. You’d think being up on the third floor would help with the heat, but it doesn’t. Nothing does unless Evan and Griffin are here, and when they are, I never think about the cold.
I open the book and flip through the pages until I see a familiar passage, then I settle in to resume reading.
Chapter 18
Evan
Griff is emitting enough pheromones to start an orgy. Vampires exude lust in the same way shifters radiate power. Both are designed to attract. In his case, he’s created to lure humans so he can feed from them, while I’m meant to entice potential partners. Sexual or otherwise.
“Can you tone it down? We are about to go interrogate someone. I don’t need him rubbing up against your leg instead of answering questions.”
“I’ll get right on that just as soon as you stop being an alpha.” Griff adjusts his dick, then bangs on the door. A few seconds later, I hear Quinn engage the lock from the other side.
“You’re going to have half the school following us around. Do you need to go rub one out?”
“Fuck off, I haven’t had fresh blood in ages. My body is working hard to make sure I keep getting it.”
I feel guilty for giving him a hard time when I hear the struggle in his voice. Asking him to tone it down is next to impossible, especially once he explains the reason behind it. “Shit, sorry.”
