Page 24 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

But I can nod, so that’s what I do.

Then he kisses me.

It starts soft, his lips firm and warm against mine, massaging but not forcing.

I try to remember this is just a business transaction, but the moment his lips touch mine, something shifts, tilts, realigns inside my chest. His mouth is warm and surprisingly gentle, a contrast to the hard planes of his body now pressed against mine. My hands find their way to his chest, fingers curling into the soft cotton of his shirt.

The kiss deepens, his hand sliding to the small of my back, drawing me closer until I'm flush against him. The press of an impressively large erection digs into the soft flesh of my stomach and a surge of wetness spills between my legs, soaking my panties.

He tastes like mint and something wild, something that makes my head spin and my heart race. A small sound escapes me, half sigh, half whimper, and his grip tightens in response.

This is a terrible idea. This is the worst idea I've ever had. This is…

This is incredible.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless, my lips tingling, my body humming with want. Adrian stares down at me with those glowing green eyes, his expression a mixture of hunger and surprise, as though he's just as shocked by what happened as I am.

Reality crashes back like a bucket of cold water. This isn't real. This is a business arrangement, a convenience, nothing more. I can't afford to forget that, no matter how good his hands feel on my skin or how right his lips felt against mine.

Adrian blinks, the glow in his eyes fading as he steps back, dragging in a deep breath.

"Sorry," he says, his voice rough. "That wasn't part of the deal."

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold without his heat.

"Right. Just… scent. No feelings. Super professional."

He nods, running a hand through his hair again, making it stand up in a way that shouldn't be attractive but somehow is.

"I should go. Let you get some sleep."

"Yes. Sleep. Good idea."

Why am I not speaking in full sentences anymore? Oh, right. Superhot werewolf kissing must be to blame.

He backs toward the door, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Good night, Julia."

"Good night, Adrian."

The door closes behind him with a soft click, and I'm left alone in his room, wearing his shirt, surrounded by his scent, my lips still burning from his kiss.

Outside, a wolf howls in the distance, a sound that might be a warning or might be a call. Either way, I'm afraid I'm already answering it, whether I want to or not.

Chapter 8

Adrian

Iwaketothesound of Julia's soft breathing from my bedroom. I’ve barely managed to close my eyes for a few hours, but I’m used to it. My wolf stirs beneath my skin, restless and satisfied all at once. Her scent, now deliciously tangled with my own, permeates the entire cabin. My beast prowls contentedly, convinced that what happened last night was the beginning of something real.

I know better. This is just an arrangement, a mutually beneficial lie. The kiss that still burns on my lips was just part of the act.

A necessarymeans to an end.

I drag myself into the shower, turning the water cold enough to shock my system back to reality. By the time I emerge, dressed in my uniform, Julia is already in the kitchen. She's wearing what I assume is her version of casual. A pale-blue cashmere dress hugs her generous curves in a way that makes it difficult not to stare. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, and she's sipping coffee from my favorite mug.

She looks like she belongs here. My wolf rumbles in agreement.