Page 176 of Carnal Games

“Got nothing to say?” he taunts, his thumb exploring the skin above the waistband of my shorts. “Perhaps I should broaden my horizons and give these thrillers a shot. Since you find my books too boring.”

“I never said boring.”

“The first page had you snoring.”

“Well,” I sheepishly murmur.

“We should have a reading date next.” My stomach hollows out as his large hand splays over it. His sharp gaze swirling with wicked promises. “I’ve obviously been missing out on thriller books. Never thought they’d be this enlightening.”

Mindlessly distracted by his touch, I stammer, “Uh… sure.”

“You wanna pick, or shall I?”

“I can choose.”

His fingers inch up, taking my top with them. “You’ll read it to me.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.” Bending low, my head turns as his lips skim up to my ear. “And because my hands and mouth will be too busy.”

I shudder, squeezing my thighs together at the sudden ache between them. I’m seconds away from begging him to relieve it when he frees my arms and moves away.

“Time to sleep.” Leaning over to the nightstand, he flicks a switch until the room is bathed in darkness. “You’ve had a long day.”

I hear the blanket rustling and Kian lying down. I shift toward my side of the bed, only to never make it. A strong arm curls around my waist, yanking me back until I’m snug against a warm chest.

Kian doesn’t say a word. Just holds me like I belong in his arms.

My heart races, my nipples pebbling as I try to even my breathing. “I didn’t think you’d be into cuddling.”

“I haven’t had someone to cuddle with until you, rainbow.”

A jolt dances down my spine at his confession. Butterflies taking flight in my belly, I wriggle and turn to face him. Tooshy to touch his bare skin, I rest my hands in the small space between us. Tilting my head, I ask past the roaring jealousy, “What about the women you’ve dated?”

“I don’t date.”

“One-night stands?”

“Never had the urge with them.” A stupidly pleased grin hurts my face. Then, he again pulls the rug out from beneath me. “You’re the first woman to ever be in my home and my bed, Iris.”

“But you…”

“I lied.”

“Why?” My voice is small.

“I was trying to push you away and was in denial about how much you drove me crazy from the moment I met you.”

“And now?”

“Now—” He lifts my hand to tug my arm around his back until my front is flush against his abs. “—I’m addicted to the way you drive me crazy.”

“Good.” In the pitch blackness, cloaked in our little world, I lose my inhibitions and the reality that awaits us outside. “Because you drive me insane too.”

For too goddamn long.

“Another reason why you’re made for me.”