Page 160 of Beautiful Venom
They’re both typing when slender arms wrap around my waist and the scent of jasmine fills my nostrils.
Dahlia’s breasts press against my back as she rests her cheek against my shoulder.
I let the phone hang in my hand as her presence invades my senses until she’s the only thing in my surroundings.
Her soft breaths, her warmth, and her gentle curves mold to me so naturally, as if she always belonged here.
With me.
“Couldn’t sleep?” she asks in a groggy voice.
“I’ll be fine. Go back to bed.”
As I face her, she stumbles, her movements sluggish, and I grab her by the waist.
She wraps her arms around my neck, and then this fucking woman who could barely stand jumps and encircles my waist with her legs, and I have to support her back so she doesn’t fall off.
Dahlia smiles, looking like a fucking goddess even with the messed-up mascara and ruined makeup. “Come to bed with me.”
I raise a brow. “Is that an invitation?”
“We can have sex later. Now, I just want to hug you.”
Fucking hell.
What can I even say to shit like that?
Instead of speaking, I walk her to the bedroom and start to lower her to the bed, but she doesn’t let me go.
So I lie down on my side and Dahlia buries her face in my neck.
“You’re awfully clingy today,” I say against her hair.
“Nope, this is the right amount in a relationship.” Her lips brush against my throat with each word. “I think.”
“So you’re not sure?”
“I’m a beginner, but I think so are you?”
“Yeah, I don’t do relationships.”
“Awesome. That way, you’ll consider this the standard. Just so you know, I’m going to annoy the hell out of you.”
I chuckle. “More than what you’re already doing?”
She lifts her head and studies my face with wide eyes, the green killing all other colors.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing. It’s just too rare to see you laugh genuinely.” She grins. “It makes me happy.”
“My laugh makes you happy?”
“Mmm. Because I’m the reason.” She strokes the back of my head. “I’m glad you didn’t let me go.”
“You forced my hand into a relationship. Is that really what you want?”
“It is.” A delicate frown creases her forehead. “If you discard me again, I’m walking away. For good. If another woman touches you, I’m also out.”
