Page 26 of His Atonement

White blonde hair that sits in a messy modern mohawk. Sharp features that look carved from stone and his eyes, goddamn they'repurple, the lightest shade of amethyst that darken toward his pupil. His skin is flawless, almost a golden color and he's covered—very literally—from head to toe in the most elaborate and unusual tattoos.

He looks like a hard ass surfer boy, one that you don't want to fuck with but can't stay away from no matter how hard you try.

All the men in this house look like they could fuck shit up, like there is some underlying violence sitting deep inside just waiting to burst free, but this man, this one looks downright dangerous—sinister.

Butfuck, he is gorgeous.

So gorgeous my pussy is now very aware of his presence and begging me to take him for a ride or seventy.

Which is so not happening because that's not why I'm here.

He rounds the table and stops just behind Cora—so close I can smell rose water and spice, weed for sure, and that combo makes me ridiculously wet—who tips her head back and grins up at him. "I heard you lost."

He frowns, leans down and presses a kiss to her forehead then straightens. "Milos is an ass."

Cora giggles then watches him walk toward the last empty seat next to Vok. "Don't be a sore loser. It was bound to happen at some point."

"He cheats.” The man that makes my skin tingle and nipples hard scoffs. "It won't happen again."

"Infant." Andrej grunts at my side, his lip twitching as he gets Daisy situated in the seat next to him. "Big baby."

Everyone laughs, but I just watch this man like a total creep, which is when I notice several piercings in his face; septum, both nostrils, eyebrow.

He is literally my deepest, darkest fantasies come to life.

I'm a huge sucker for tatted up bad boys, especially if they're blonde and tan.

Wow, am I in trouble.

The meal progresses but I barely eat, just pick at my food while stealing glances at this beautiful man.

I should be hungry as fuck, all considering I've already smoked three bowls today, but the only thing I want to eat is him and I doubt he's on the menu.

"So,” Vok says around a mouthful of food, his smiling blue eyes finding mine. "Allie told us you graduated from art school in California."

I nod, and try to get my hormones under control. "Santa Clarita, Cal Arts."

He smiles wide and I swear I see fangs, but he takes another bite of his lunch before I can be sure, chews and swallows. "And you made a career of your art? Perhaps you could show me your portfolio after you unpack? I've recently found photography to be a fascinating subject, started dabbling in it myself and I'd love to have a look at your work."

"Vok is an artist too,” Cora beams with pride. ”Fine art to be exact, but he has a real eye for composition."

"Awesome." I smile at both of them because fuck yes I'll talk shop with this gigantic man. "I'd love to swap portfolios. Maybe we can do a collaboration? There is so much natural inspiration out here, we could definitely come up with something very badass."

Vok's pale blue eyes fill with warmth. "I would love that. My light has been encouraging me to branch out into other mediums, perhaps you can show me the ropes of 35mm and development?"

Allie leans forward, winks at me then smiles. "Did I tell you Frankie has been published in multiple magazines? Just as recently as—"

The Adonis next to Vok whips his head in my direction, purple eyes trained on me. "Thisis Frankie?"

I nod as Cora giggles. "Well, who the hell else would it be? It's not like we get a ton of visitors all the way out here, not any that don't already live here anyway." Then she nudges me and nods toward him. "That very observant man is my brother, Zan. Zan, this is Frankie."

His eyes narrow on me for a beat before the most sardonic smile spreads across his face. "The pleasure is all mine, Frankie." Zan's grin somehow widens and I hate the way it makes me both anxious and horny as hell. "Did you find your linens to your liking?"

I frown.

What the fuck is he…

"Oh my god, that wasyou?" I slump back in my chair, and shake my head. "I thought Allie had finally lost her shit."