Page 49 of Lovely Venom

That smug bastard’s voice rolls out, smooth and slow. The kind that used to peel off panties on hook-up cruises before he got married.

I don’t blink. “I’m working on it, dosser.”

“Work harder.” Tristan bows his head and spins on his expensive shoes.

Tristan strides away, glancing at me over his shoulder with a wry smile. He’s already figured out that this lass has me in knots, and I’ll do anything to make her mine. And I just gave him a story to laugh about later with his brothers and their wives.

Raina doesn’t move. Neither do I.

“You keep showing up in the most interesting places,Raina. Storm. I get it. Clever.”

She straightens, schooling her face into something blank and mysterious. “Maybeyoukeep showing up whereIam.”

I step closer, letting my voice dip to the right volume for brushing my lips against the shell of her ear. “You know, I was disappointed when you didn’t show up at the dessert table last week.”

She feigns outrage. “I didn’t realize I needed your permission to leave early. Plus, a girl has to watch her calories.”

“Don’t you fucking dare. You’re flawless.” I chuckle, low and amused. “To me. And I expected better from you.”

“Better how?”

I grin. “Like a reliable stray cat I fed once.”

“Excuse me?” She narrows her eyes. “Fed how?”

“With my cock,” I growl. “I gave your pussy a littlecream. A little attention. Next thing I know, she keeps showing up for more.”

Raina’s eyebrows jut into her hairline. “Are you saying I’m clingy and desperate?”

“I’m saying I’m surprised you’re not rubbing up against my leg right now.”

Her lips part with a sharp exhale that could signal I’ve offended heroramused her. “Youarefull of yourself.”

“Cocky, yes. Pardon the pun.” I step back. “And you’re still standing here.”

“Maybe I am obsessed with your cream.” Her eyes scan me differently than before.

The slow track across my body is something I fucking feel.

Shaking free of our connected stare, she turns her attention to another photo in the exhibit. “The transformation of this hotel was amazing. I love renovations. Before and after, don’t you?”

I study the image, then her. “I like watching things burn first.”

Her breath hitches. Enough for me to notice.

She tilts her chin, her gaze flicking over me. “Especially when you light the match?”

I move closer, not touching her, but letting her feel the heat coming off me. “That question excites me more than it should.”

Her lips part. “I bet it does.”

“I have access to a villa here at the hotel anytime I want. Come upstairs with me.” The words are soft and coaxing. “Just for a little while.”

She laughs. “There you go, feeding the stray again.”

The fantasy of me feeding her my cock while she’s tied to my headboard knocks me sideways and steals my breath. “Maybe I want to keep you for good.”

For a beat, she doesn’t move. Doesn’t breathe.