Page 34 of Demonic Affliction

He shrugs a shoulder. “A while. It helps me think.”

“Ah… okay…”

We settle into silence, listening to the water lap against the edges of the pool. After a few minutes, Dravik reaches up to his head, attempting to work some of the tangles out of his long hair. His thick fingers catch halfway through, and he mumbles a string of curses before pulling his hand out and trying again—unsuccessfully.

I watch him fight the same knot three more times before I finally speak up. "Want some help?"

He glances over, surprised. “With what?”

“Your hair.”

He blinks. “How would you help with my hair?”

I laugh under my breath. “Just come here.”

For a moment, he doesn't move and just studies me with a furrowed brow. Then he pushes off the far wall of the pool, water sliding down his bare chest as he moves closer. He stops just in front of me, bracing one arm on the ledge on either side of my thighs. He doesn’t touch me, but I can feel the heat brimming from his skin, and it takes everything in me to keep from shifting closer, from closing that last little bit of distance between us.

The muscle in the side of his jaw tics as he gazes up at me, the hunger in his eyes sending a wave of heat to my core. “I am here,” he rasps. “What will you do with me now?”

His face is close enough that I can count the individual water droplets clinging to his jaw—close enough that I have to remind myself how to breathe normally. Swallowing hard, I twirl my finger in a slow circle.

“Turn around.” My voice is somehow steadier than I feel. “I’m going to fix your hair.”

Dravik obeys, turning slowly in the water. Instead of moving my fingers across his wings like I want to, I bring my hands to his head, carefully working my fingers through the knots in his long, beautiful orange hair.

I move slower than I should, savoring the feel of the strands between my fingers.

Now and then, Dravik lets out a low groan, clearly enjoying having someone play with his hair. The sound settles low and warm in my stomach every time, and I have to remind myself I'm supposed to be working.

As I’m nearing the end, I think back to Dagny’s mate, Roark, and his braided hair. I wonder if Dravik would let me try something similar. It would help with the tangles, and he’d probably look super hot in a warrior braid.

Better to ask for forgiveness.

I carefully plait his hair into a braid, working each section over the next with practiced care. Growing up, I used to braid my friends’ hair all the time, and though I don’t often style my own hair this way, I’m glad for the skill at this moment.

Dravik stays still and quiet beneath my hands, save for the occasional low groan when my fingers brush against his scalp.

Once the braid reaches the end, I hand him the edges and show him how to pinch them between his fingers. “Hold this for a second,” I say.

I lean back and carefully tear a thin strip of fabric from my towel. The fur shifts dangerously with the movement, and my face flames as I move to readjust it. Thank God he’s facing the other way…

Clearing my throat, I take the braid back from Dravik, tie the ends in a quick knot, and lay it softly against his spine.

“There! All done!”

Dravik slides his hand over the back, feeling my handiwork. He moves his head side to side, his mouth twitching at the corners. “I like it. Now it will stay out of my eyes.”

“And it makes you look super hot,” I add.

His hand stills. The amusement on his face sharpens, eyes darkening as they drag down my frame. His gaze leaves a trail of fire in its wake, traveling straight to my core, filling me with raw heat and desire.

“Careful.” His voice lowers dangerously. “Your words… they do things to me…”

“What kind of things?”

He just shakes his head, murmuring something under his breath about a dangerous creature. Slowly turning around, he braces his palms on the ledge, his thumbs brushing against my skin and sending a pleasurable shudder down my spine.

Instead of answering, he asks a question of his own, tactfully changing the subject. “So, little one. Tell me. Why are you down here braiding a beast's hair instead of safely in bed with your mates?”