Page 75 of Secrets of the Six

"This is my room," he explains, slipping his hands into his pant pockets.

"I gathered," I drawl, and he laughs.

"What do you think?"

"Are you asking if I like how you decorated?"

He shrugs. "Humor me."

I hate to admit it, but his room is extremely warm and inviting and I'm awfully tempted to stay here instead of sequestering myself to the plain and fireplace-less guest suite. But alas, I can't readily offer that information up to him on a silver platter.

I shrug in response, feigning indifference. "It's nice."

"Liar." His molten gaze sends a shiver down my spine and nearly shatters my resolve to leave. "You're welcome to stay if you'd like. There's plenty of room for two."

I fold my arms over my chest and pop a hip to the side. "Thanks, but no thanks. There's no telling how many females have slept in Don Rafael's bed."

"None."

His quick answer takes me by surprise. "Excuse me?"

"You're the first woman to step foot in this room."

"I suppose I should be honored."

"If that's how you want to feel, sure." He cocks his head to the side, eyeing me head-to-toe as if trying to decode some mysterious puzzle. "So, what's it going to be? Staying or going?"

My nails cut into my palms when I ball my fists, willing myself to backpedal to the door. "I'll see you in the morning."

"You know where to find me when you change your mind, Vibora."

"Cocky bastard." I walk out, shutting his door in attempts to drown out his boisterous laughter.

I slip into the guest bedroom and although it's nicely furnished, it's small in comparison to Remus' room and lacks the warmth and charm. Or maybe it's because Remus is there I find it so appealing. I roll my eyes and lay down on the mattress, fully clothed. I don't have an extra outfit, so I'll have to do my best to get comfortable in my leathers. I at least kick off my boots, so I don't dirty the sheets and place my three daggers and two pistols on the nightstand. As soon as I bury myself beneath the covers, I close my eyes and hope sleep claims me. But I'm a fool for thinking rest would find me easily. In fact, I toss and turn for about ten minutes, unable to find a cozy, comfortable spot.

All I can think about is the crackling fireplace in Remus' room and the mountains of soft pillows piled on his enormous bed. Suddenly I'm picturing him shirtless, his winged tattoo spread shoulder to shoulder and his chiseled abdomen so taut I could run my fingers over each ridge and never grow bored. My mind runs wild with the memory of his tongue sweeping inside my mouth and imagine what else he can do with said tongue. It's insane to think only hours ago we were stealing kisses in a closet at the opera house and now, he's a few doors down the hall and I'm being stubborn, refusing to cuddle with him all night.

We don't have to necessarily do anything, but his room is warmer than this one and it's been a long time since I slept beside a man using his body as my personal pillow.

Shit. My belly heats and I feel a sensation pooling between my thighs.

For once, I'm going to forgo being stubborn and take what I want. Even if it's packaged in the arms of Remus Salvador Kane.

I rip the sheets off and pad through the room barefoot. Slowly, I open the door and peek out. No one is up and about and for a moment my resolve to sneak into Remus' room falters. I shake my head, internally chastising myself for hesitating, and march to his bedroom door as if I own the place. Making sure one last time no one is in the hall; I lift my hand and knock on his door.

Within seconds the door flies open and my eyes soak in a shirtless Remus who looks just as hungry as I am.

"Saints, it took you long enough." He crashes his mouth against mine, devouring me in all the right ways.

I kiss him back with the same fervor in which he paws at my ass. His calloused hands find purchase around my waist, and he lifts me so I can wrap my legs around his torso. I finger through his hair as he kicks the door closed and carries me inside. Just for tonight, I'll let temptation win.

Chapter 26

Remus

She came back.

The hope she would change her mind and spend the night with me began to falter after ten minutes ticked by without a trace of her. But then the small, assured knock on my door caused my heart to leap to my throat.