Page 23

Even when Killian lets me out of the room, he covers my eyes until we’re in the kitchen. It’s worth the wait. He’s thrown a table cloth over the old faded wood, decorated with four black LED candles of all different heights, a cauldron in the center filled with ice and bottles of liquor, and the whole house smells amazing from whatever he’s got in the oven.

I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.

“Killian, it’s...” Perfect? Amazing? More than any man has ever done for me before? “I love it.”

“Yeah?” He sounds adorably excited about my response. “Awesome. It’s not Halloween, so I didn’t have as many options as I was hoping, but I did my best. You said you came here to be a bog witch, and instead you had to take care of my sick ass last week, so I wanted to make up for it. Chicken parm is in the oven, but for now I thought we could make some potions. You’ll make mine and I’ll make yours.”

To be seen is to be loved.

Is that what this is?

Spinning, I meet his eyes and can’t say anything at all for several heartbeats. “Thank you,” I say quietly. “You...”

Words escape me, so I rock up on my toes to kiss him instead before turning back to the potions.

This will probably be hilarious.

Killian steps up to press his body against my back, his face dipping down so he can kiss along my neck slowly. “You’re welcome.”

His whisper travels down my spine and has me nearly demanding we skip to the end of the date where he puts out, but he steps away before I can. “Alright, so I wasn’t sure which alcohol was your favorite but I have more mixers in the fridge if your recipe calls for something you don’t see here. I wrote out a few recipes on these cards so mix them up and pick one without peeking and don’t tell me what it is until after. You’re welcome to tweak whatever you want to, I figured the recipes are just a good starting point for us since we’re brand new witches.”

“We?” I raise an eyebrow, chuckling as I grab the cards to mix them. “Mmhm. We.”

“If you’re a witch, I’m a witch,” he responds with a smirk. “And no, that isn’t at all a quote I took from The Notebook and made better. Don’t know what you mean.”

That’s exactly what he did, but I’d take Killian over Noah every day of the week. “I meant that only one of us is brand new and it’s not me,” I laugh, pulling a card and hiding it as I hold the rest out to him. “Pick your poison.”

“That’s fair, but if my potion comes out better, you’re going to be very embarrassed,” he teases, biting his lip as he slides his fingers along the cards before tugging one out.

The grin he has when he glances down at it should scare me, but I’m too happy to give a shit.

Glancing down, I see the “potion” I picked is called Black Widow, consisting of tequila, lime juice, agave, and blackberry juice. I’m amazed he put so much thought into these even if he probably got them off the internet.

Each time I glance up, I find myself staring at him. The way his hair falls over his forehead, the short stubble he’s grown along his strong jaw, and the flirty smile he tosses me that could bring any woman to their knees. I still can’t comprehend how someone like him ended up all alone in the world.

He’s giving his potion more attention to detail than my fiancé ever gave anything involving me, and I‘m having a little bit of a hard time with it.

Experience tells me not to trust this, but if I can’t trust my eyes, my ears, the butterflies in my chest or my beating heart, what can I trust?

He’s different. Killian’s different. And even if it turns out that he’s not... it still feels like the ride will be worth it.

When my drink is done, I wait for him to finish, watching him as he pours the red concoction into a sugar-rimmed glass. “Done. What you got for me over there?”

He nods down at mine and meets my gaze, making me blush.

What the hell is he doing to me?

Handing it over, I mumble, “It’s called a Black Widow. I hope tequila treats you better than it treats me. What’s mine?”

“Wait, you don’t like tequila?” He looks worried as he gingerly hands his concoction over. “It’s called Witch’s Blood, and I tweaked it a little, but it has tequila too. I added the sugar because you were so sweet for me when I was sick.”

Fucker. Grinning, I take it and bring it up to my lips, commenting, “I love tequila. It just makes me want to fuck,” before taking a swig big enough that it puffs out my cheeks.

It’s probably one of the best drinks I’ve ever had.

He stands there watching me as I lick my lips, then raises his eyebrow at me to drink some more before he lifts his glass to taste mine. When he does, he sniffs it first like he’s judging it, then takes a sip with his pinky out, his lips smacking a few times before he drinks some more. “What kind of berry is this?“

He hums and takes an even bigger drink of it, making me grin.

“Blackberry. I don’t want to know what’s in mine, you’re officially in charge of making them forever. I—”

The oven dings, interrupting him before his next sip. “Alright. I’ll make you another one in a bit, but sit down so I can serve you like the gentleman I am.”

He slaps my ass as he passes me, yet again making me want to skip dinner and get to dessert, but the food smells so good I sit down anyway.

The candles set a quiet kind of ambiance as I wait for him, still baffled by all the effort he put into this date.

When he returns, he sets a plate in front of me that smells so good my stomach rumbles. The chicken parmesan is coupled with some angel hair noodles and broccoli, and when he sits down to join me he looks more nervous than I’ve seen him in a while. “I don’t know much about pasta, so I’m sorry those are from a box, but the chicken is my mom’s recipe. If you hate it maybe just... pretend you don’t for me?”

He chuckles to let me know he’s joking, but if it tastes even half as good as it smells, it won’t be a problem.

The first bite proves it, and I don’t stop to touch the pasta until half my chicken is gone. “This is amazing. Seriously.”

“So are you,” he says, eyes locked on me so intensely I blush. “What’s your love language, Joey?”

“I don’t know much about love languages, but I think mine is whatever this is,” I admit quietly.

“I don’t know much about it either, but I want to know you. All of you. If it’s acts of service, I’ll be sure to do stuff like this for you whenever possible, and if it’s quality time I’m definitely not going anywhere. I know I can’t offer you much beyond what we have here...”

He trails off and looks down at his plate like he’s choosing his next words carefully, but I think I know what he’s trying to get at.

I just don’t know if I’m ready.

“What about physical touch?” I tease. “You’re pretty good at that too.”

“That’s my specialty.” He’s smiling again, but I can see there’s still something on his mind. “It’s also my love language if you couldn’t tell.”

Yeah, that’s been pretty obvious. His mood plummets when he isn’t close to me, touching me, or holding me. I’m nervous for a whole new reason as I finish eating and down the rest of my drink, but I’m clearly not the only one — Killian is fidgety and almost buzzing as he stands up to take our plates to the sink.

“I’ll make more drinks. Can you pick some music for us?”

Nodding, I grab my laptop and go for a quiet, romantic playlist. If he went through all this trouble for me, the least I can do is play along. He earned it.

It takes him a while to come back over, but it gives me an opportunity to watch him make our drinks and notice how much clumsier he is now. He was so self-assured the first time we made our potions, and when he walks back over with just one glass of pink liquid, I realize he was trying something new. “Try this one and then dance with me.”

“What’s in it?” I ask, taking a sip anyway before he can answer. It’s sweeter than the last one, raspberry flavored with a familiar bite. It’s definitely vodka. “I like this one.”

“Yeah? It’s a love potion.” He smiles widely, setting it aside to pull me in so his hands are resting on my lower back. “I like you. A lot.”

Fuck. My stomach flips as I reach up to wrap my arms around his neck. “Really? You’re good at hiding it,” I tease. “So good.”

“That’s crazy because I never once tried to hide it,” he admits. “You were right about some things, but I think I was too.” Don’t say what things you mean, Killian. Not right now. “I know we haven’t been tested much out there in the real world, but I feel like that will come in time. You told your sister about me, so I think that’s a step in the right direction. Why not make this official? Be my girlfriend, Joey. Be mine.”

He lifts my gaze to meet his, his thumb sliding along my jaw as he waits for my answer, and every stupid fear I’ve ever had crawls back into my throat and paralyzes me.

We were doing so well. I’m feeling way more than I ever thought I would, but it’s because there was no pressure. No expectations. I was just allowed to feel, to act, to touch, to be touched.

But there are always strings.

Dropping my gaze to his lips to avoid his eyes, I curl my fingers against the back of his neck. “If I let you off the hook that easy, you won’t have a reason to chase me anymore.”

The relief I feel when he chuckles has me melting into his chest as he takes the lead in our dance. “Too soon then, huh? Alright, bet. I’ll keep this energy until you believe it, Roo. As long as we can keep doing this in the meantime I won’t rush us.”

I’m letting Ryan win. I can feel it. This man in front of me is fighting for his life trying to respect me and love me and all I’m doing is letting that dickhead hold me back. I can admit that, even if it’s just to myself. But being self-aware doesn’t always mean I’m capable of changing. Burying my face in his neck, I whisper, “I’m falling for you, Killian. I am. I just... need to do it on my terms.”

His grip tightens around me. “Take all the time you need, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

Literally and figuratively, it seems... but I’ll take it. He’s not pushing, not upset. It’s strange being near a man who doesn’t get angry with me for having feelings he doesn’t agree with.

God, it turns me on.

Kissing his neck, I bite his skin gently and then a little harder. I don’t want to wait anymore.

His body responds to me immediately, fingers curling into my skin as he bares his neck for more with a groan. “Keep doing that and I’m going to have to tie you up again, woman.”

“Oh, no,” I whisper sarcastically. “What a terrible thing that would be.”

Humming, he lifts me up by my thighs, navigating his way up the stairs to a room I didn’t know he stepped foot in. “Good thing I thought ahead.”

When he lays me down on the bed, I see more candles spread about the room and restraints already tied to each corner of the bed frame.

Denying him clearly hasn’t slowed him down.

With my bottom lip between my teeth, I spread my legs and reach down to rub my pussy over my clothes. “How long have you been planning this, Killer?”

Those blue eyes lock on my hand a second longer before they flick up to meet mine. “Remember when we went on that walk and I picked you a flower?”

“I do. It’s currently drying in the cellar.”

“Well, I’ve been planning this date since then.”

Killian climbs on the bed between my legs and leans down to kiss me, sending fire through my core and wetness between my thighs. This man is sinful, and he’s all mine.

Slowly, he lifts both of my hands above my head and slots our fingers, his tongue swiping against mine with a low moan. “You asked me if I’d ever get sick of this.” His lips trail down my neck to my collarbone, sliding my shirt off in the process. “The answer is not a fucking chance.”

I feel it, I do. The truth in those words, the truth in my heart. This isn’t something you get sick of. So as he undresses me completely and binds my hands to the headboard, I let him. I choose to trust him, to give myself over to him, the captor who stole my heart.

He leaves my legs free to bend to his will, settling himself down there fully clothed like he plans to be there for a while. “Smell so good, Roo. Now it’s time for my dessert.”

That first swipe of his tongue makes me whimper, but it’s clear that he’s going to tease the shit out of me. This is just as much for him as it is for me, and something about that makes it hotter. So many men see women’s pleasure as a chore, something they’re obligated to do, not something to be savored. But Killian... Killian’s different.

“How could I ever tire of my favorite scent?” He licks again, even slower this time. “My favorite taste?”

Fuck. Shivering, I scoot lower to get closer to him. “You can’t blame a girl for worrying, you know. It’s rude.”

“I won’t. Tell me all your worries so I can ease your stress. It’s my job, baby. I’ll carry that weight.”

Both hands slide under to grip my ass as he dives in again, and suddenly, I can’t remember a single thing I’ve ever been worried about. This time, he isn’t teasing. He drags an orgasm out of me and leaves me shaking.

“So responsive.” He places a kiss directly on my center. “Give me more.”

When his fingers join in, he pulls two more from me that have me screaming his name and my eyes watering, then gently kisses his way back up my body.

Gripping the ropes binding me, I lift up just enough to watch him. “You’re still clothed. Why are you still wearing clothes?”

With a smirk he tugs his shirt off and tosses it, my gaze roaming the gorgeous lines of his muscles down to the huge bulge in his jeans. “You want me naked?”

“I want you inside me, so yes,” I rush out, wishing I could touch him. “Don’t you want that too?”

“So bad, Joey.” Killian reaches down to squeeze his raging hard cock, then undoes his button. “I always want to be inside you.”

Anticipation makes me squirm as I dig crescent moons into my palms. “Kiss me,” I whisper breathlessly. “Let me taste.”

His zipper curls over the bulge before he stands to remove his pants and boxers in one go, and then he climbs back on top of me to comply.

My tongue sweeps into his mouth to chase the taste of myself, grinning against his lips as I feel his cock slide against my soaked pussy. “Don’t do it,” I whisper. “Don’t fuck me.”

“No?” He tilts his head challengingly and does it again, the head of his cock pressing against my swollen clit. “How are you gonna stop me?”

My stomach swoops as I squirm, trying to get my legs underneath him to push him off. “Like th-is.”

God, he’s so strong.

Those hands grip my legs and pin me down, a wicked smile flashing across his face a split second before he thrusts all the way into me in one solid, punishing thrust. “You’re not going anywhere, woman.”

Like I’d ever want to. He could keep me tied to this bed for the rest of my life and I’d never complain, but it’s so much more fun when I do.

“You think you can stop me?” I ask, clenching hard as I tug on the ropes. “What are you gonna do about it?”

“Fuck,” he groans, cock throbbing inside of me so hard I know eating my pussy has him closer than he wants to be. “I’ll keep you tied up forever. Use you whenever I please.”

His hand wraps around my throat as he pulls almost all of the way out only to slam back in again.

“I’ll scream,” I threaten, tipping my head back as I temporarily lose myself to the pleasure. “So... loud.”

Killian smirks, fucking me slow and deep so every roll of his hips applies a teasing pressure on my clit. “No one can hear you,” he finally whispers, sending me over into yet another mind-blowing orgasm that tests his little theory.

I scream his name so loud I bet the birds outside can hear it. His fingers tighten when I clench around him, his mouth crashing into mine so abruptly he swallows his name down from the source.

Got him.

I bite his lip hard enough to make him pull back, then blurt, “Don’t come inside me, Killian. I can’t take it.”

“Joey!” His palm moves to clasp over my mouth, but I’ve already won. His hips are driving into me so hard it takes my breath away, and when he lifts my leg to get even deeper, I fall over the edge with him.

Killian slams as deep as he can with a groan, thrusting his way through such an intense orgasm, I feel him tremble. I’ll never get used to how much he comes, how full I feel when he does.

It’s addicting.

“All of it, baby. Give me all of it.”

“It’s all yours,” he whispers into my ear, his lips ghosting along my cheek until they meet mine, but this kiss is different from the others. “All of me is.”

Maybe I was wrong before. Maybe sex didn’t make things complicated, but rather un complicated things. Life is messy, especially ours. But this? This is simple. It’s easy.

It’s not complicated at all.