Page 157 of Alpha Mates

“Goddess, no.” I shudder. “Now, why don’t you dig into your never-ending itinerary and tell me what we’re doing today?”

“I only booked one thing today, and it’s in the afternoon,” he replies, finally setting the remote down. “I thought in the meantime, we could roam around the hotel and enjoy what they’ve got going on.”

“That’s good with me,” I say before I clap my hands, making him jolt. “Get up, shower, put on some clothes, and brush your teeth so I can lay one on you, and then let’s roll out!”

He rolls his eyes, but he’s smirking as he gets up. We’re quick about cleaning ourselves up, and despite his earlier sulk, the smile won’t leave his face.

“What do we call this stage of the relationship?” I ask as I watch Julian tug on a pair of my jeans. They hang on his hips, but damn if he doesn’t make them look good.

Julian shrugs as he looks down at himself. “Repurposing?”

I hum, because if I open my mouth, whatever comes out will be filthy and probably stop us from leaving. Our heat keeps our skin warm, and our bond even warmer, but it’s easy to manage when he’s willingly engulfing himself in my scent.

“I’m ready,” Julian says, planting his hands on his hips.

“Same here, but have you seen my shades?” I scan our suite.

“Aiden.”

I turn. He’s smiling knowingly, and I frown until he reaches up over my head and pulls down my missing shades. My lips part, and so do Julian’s to release a little laugh.

“Thanks,” I mumble, pretending the heat in my cheeks was just another effect of global warming. I pass another quick glance over him and barely manage to stifle my groan. “The only thing I love smelling on you, besides your scent, is mine.”

“I bet,” Julian whispers, sliding his hands up my chest. “You were supposed to lay one on me.”

“Yes, I was.” I lean in to press my lips to his. It’s a short-lived kiss, but it still leaves my body vibrating as Julian’s taste overrides mine. He steps back first, and I’m the drugged fiend that follows him out the door.

Julian leads the way to the elevator, but only turns to me after he’s pressed the down button. “So,” he asks, warm eyes darting between mine, “where do you want to go first?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know this place and its huge,” I remind. “Is there a map, list, pamphlet… something?”

Julian nods as the doors open, revealing a few other couples waiting inside. “There is,” he whispers as we step inside. “I memorised it.”

I squint at his golden head as I follow him into the back corner. I waituntil the doors close before muttering, “Nerd.”

His brow twitches. He cuts me a side-eye. “Simpleton.”

My fingers twitch.

I can leave it alone. I can, but …

“Dimwit,” I shoot back, using one of his regulars.

Julian’s eyes widen. Surprise turns to intrigue. “Asshat.”

I glance at him, my lips twitching when I catch the way he’s biting his cheeks.

“Ignoramus,” I counter.

He gasps. “Look at you,” he whispers with blown eyes, “using words with more than two syllables.”

“Vegetarian,” I accuse.

“Meat lover,” he fires back, eyes glowing. “And I mean that in more ways than one.”

A laugh bursts out of the person in front of us, reminding us we’re not alone. Soon enough, muffled chuckles ripple through the rest of the elevator.

“Sorry,” I mutter, even though they don’t seem annoyed. I jerk my thumb towards Julian. “He’s an imbecile.”