Page 178 of His Ruthless Match

“What?” she asked innocently. “I’m just making the drive more interesting for you.”

Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned closer, her fingers dancing along my waistband. “I think I’ll keep you excited until we get back to the cottage,” she murmured, her voice velvet and warm.

I sighed, pretending exasperation but unable to hide my grin. “If you must,” I replied, though my tightening grip on the wheel betrayed my anticipation.

Eva’s lips brushed my neck as she unzipped my pants. My breath hitched when her fingers grazed me, and then she leaned down, her mouth hot against me. My entire body jolted, and the car swerved slightly. “Fuck!” I hissed, forcing myself to steady the wheel.

She didn’t let up, her mouth working me in a slow, torturous rhythm that had me gripping the steering wheel hard enough to crack it. Every shift, every flick of her tongue, sent heat spiraling through me. Her free hand explored boldly, her fingers teasing as she took me deeper until her lips brushed the base of my length. A strangled groan escaped my throat, my vision tunneling as I fought to stay on the road.

“Eva,” I growled in warning, but she didn’t stop.

The tension coiled tighter and tighter, my muscles taut as her mouth worked me over. Just as I was teetering on the edge, my breathing ragged and my focus dissolving, she pulled away abruptly, leaving me gasping. I glanced down at her in disbelief, and she gave me a sly smile, wiping her lips with infuriating nonchalance. “Not yet,” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction.

By the time we reached the cottage, I was ready to combust. We barely made it halfway to the door before she pulled me down into another kiss. I matched her fervor, wanting more of her. Needing her with every fiber of my being.

“Inside,” I murmured against her lips. “Now.”

We stumbled to the door, tearing at each other’s clothes, but just as we pushed it open, a familiar voice made us freeze.

“Well, this is awkward.”

Grelth stood in the middle of the room, his wide eyes taking in the scene before quickly covering them with his hand. “Don’t mind Master Grelth. Master Grelth will just… disappear.”

Eva stifled a laugh as she straightened her clothes, her cheeks flushed. “Thanks for the warning, Grelth.”

He shuffled out, muttering something about “not being paid enough for this.” As the door clicked shut behind him, Eva turned to me, her laughter bubbling over.

“Perfect timing,” I muttered, shaking my head.

51

EVA

The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the curtains as the breeze slipped through the window. I sat on the edge of Jareth’s bed, my fingers idly picking at the hem of the oversized shirt I had borrowed.

The battle was over, but its weight hadn’t left me. My heart beat in an unsteady rhythm, and the electric pull between Jareth and me simmered just beneath the surface.

Jareth was in the shower, washing away the sweat and blood of the battle. His shirt had clung to him earlier, soaked through from the heat of battle, revealing every ripple of his muscles. Now, as I sat there, alone and waiting, my pulse quickened at the thought of him stepping out.

The water shut off. I straightened, balling the fabric in my fist as Jareth emerged, a towel slung low on his hips, droplets of water sliding down his chest and disappearing beneath the edge. He leaned against the doorway, his sharp features softened by the dim light. Yet, his gaze was anything but soft. It locked onto mine, smoldering and intense.

“Eva,” he said, his voice low and rough, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “You’re not getting out of this.”

My heart stumbled in my chest, my pulse a wild drumbeat in my ears. “Out of what?” I asked, my tone defiant even as nervous anticipation curled in my stomach.

He stepped forward, slow and deliberate, the weight of his presence filling the room. “This,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost tender. He cupped my cheek, his hand warm against my skin, and his thumb brushed over my lower lip, making me shiver. “Us.”

The tension between us snapped, and before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine. It wasn’t rushed or frantic—it was a slow, smoldering exploration that left me breathless. He coaxed my lips apart as his hand slid to the back of my neck. My hands found their way into his damp hair, tugging slightly as he deepened the kiss. A soft sigh escaped me, followed by a whimper as his teeth grazed my bottom lip.

He pulled back just enough to speak, his forehead resting against mine. “I want you,” he growled, his voice rough with need. “All of you.”

I swallowed hard, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. My lips tingled from his kiss. “Then take me,” I whispered, the words a challenge and a plea all at once.

Jareth’s eyes darkened, and his hands moved to the hem of my shirt. He lifted it slowly, his knuckles grazing my skin as the fabric slid up my body. Every touch sent shivers racing down my spine, and when the shirt cleared my head, he let it fall to the floor without a second glance. His gaze swept over me, raw and reverent.

“Gods, Eva,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re perfect.”

Heat bloomed across my skin, but I didn’t look away. I reached for the towel, my fingers trembling slightly. Jareth caught my hands, steadying them with his own. “Let me,” he said, his tone soft but commanding.