Page 11 of Bear to be Wild (Moonlight Siren #5)
MARIBELLE
W hen I woke, Roan’s arm was draped around me, heavy and protective. His chest rose and fell with slow, deep breaths. I leaned into him, savoring his warmth.
The night before came rushing back with vivid heat. His hands had been everywhere, strong and sensual, sliding over my skin like he couldn’t get enough. His mouth was so sinfully skilled, it should be illegal. The way he’d moved inside me—slow, then wild—had stripped me bare.
He’d adored me with every kiss, every caress, making my body sing in a way it never had before. He’d pleasured me so perfectly, intuitively, like we’d been lovers for years. No one had ever made me feel so free, so wild, so devastatingly good. And so connected, on a soul-deep level.
My pulse skipped, heat threatening to curl low all over again. Heat thrummed between my legs, the desire to be ravished again building fast.
Realization slammed into me, dousing me with the cold slap of reality. I squeezed my eyes shut and sucked in a breath in an attempt to think clearly.
What on earth was I doing?
Not again. I squirmed out from under his hold. Hadn’t I already learned my lesson about sleeping with a shifter on board? Two lessons. They were all the same—and I had no interest in reliving the aftermath.
I shook his shoulder. “Roan, you need to wake up,” I whispered urgently.
He stirred, slowly opening his eyes. Propped up on one forearm, with his hair mussed and face still shadowed by sleep, he looked devilishly delicious.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice raspy.
“You.” I pointed at him. “Me.” I jabbed my chest, then waved my hand back and forth between us. “It was a mistake. It never should have happened.”
His mouth fell open as he pushed himself fully upright. He stared at me, amber eyes dark with confusion. “I don’t understand. I thought we had a great night.”
“Right.” I pursed my lips, fighting for words. “It was one night. But it can’t happen again.” My breath came out in a sharp rush. “You need to get out. Out of here.”
He tilted his head, studying me as if he had to be careful not to set me off. “Maribelle, the spell. If I leave, you need to come with me.”
A long moan of protest slipped out of me. “The spell.” I hit the mattress in frustration. “The flipping spell.”
We were still connected. Still trapped together.
One more day, I told myself. Just one more day.
But one more day stretched ahead of me like a century. We’d only been bound for two and look what had happened.
I had to figure out how to undo our bond today.
Later that morning, Roan trained clients in the studio, and I worked with clients in the spa. In the quiet moments between appointments, I worked furiously to find a way, flipping through grimoires and scribbled notes.
Charlotte sidled up beside me, carrying a stack of fresh towels. “What’s going on, Maribelle? You seem upset.”
I didn’t pause to look up at her because I couldn’t afford to waste time. “Because I keep making one mistake after another.”
She put the towels down on a nearby table. “Meaning?”
“Roan.” I whispered his name, wrestling with regret.
“Last night.” I dropped my head into my hands.
“I can’t believe I did that, Charlotte. What—is—wrong with me?
Why can’t I learn?” I finally met her gaze.
“Shifters are all the same. And if I’m foolish enough to take a chance on another one, I’m asking for heartbreak and humiliation all over again. ”
Her expression softened, then her eyes glittered with mischief. “You and Roan? Last night?”
“Yes. But that’s not the point.” I glared. “Didn’t you hear me? It was a mistake .”
“Or…” She tipped her head and her lips slipped into a lopsided smile. “What if it’s not a mistake? What if it’s exactly what you want?”
I leaned backward. “What?”
“I’m serious,” she said with wide, sincere eyes. “What if the spell happened because, deep down, you wanted it to happen?”
I barked out a laugh, one that was sharp and without humor. “Please. I don’t even know him.”
Charlotte shrugged, appearing unconvinced by my denial. “Perhaps subconsciously.”
“Not helping.” I stabbed a finger at the spellbook open on the counter. “If you want to help, help me figure out how to undo the spell. Because I can’t get through another night in the same bed with him and…” My voice lowered and bottom lip trembled. I swallowed and straightened. “Not feel things.”