Page 21 of Bones
I can be satisfied watching Sloan from the shadows. I’ll learn, if I have to.
13
SLOAN
Our hotel room’s heavy door closes with a loud click as the lock engages behind Bones. I knew being the bait to lure out Father Xavius was going to be difficult, but I didn’t realize that having Bones be my shadow would be the worst part. When we’re out, exploring the city and playing happy vacationers, I can almost believe that we’re together. All the little touches, sitting close, holding him while we ride his bike. Every damn moment outside of our hotel room is exquisite torture. I’ve tried ignoring how much he turns me on, but I’m dying here. Because the moment that hotel door closes, it’s like Bones is on a different continent than me. If it wasn’t for the ruse needing us to share rooms, I’d ask for my own. That way I’d at least be able to take care of how damn horny I’ve been.
It’s not fucking fair. Bones, a damn demon in human form, tattooed to look like a living skeleton, who smells like everything warm and comforting, and kisses like he needs to devour me is able to just . . . ignore me. Like I’m as interesting as the barely comfortable padded chair at the generic so-called work desk against the wall.
What’s it going to take for a girl to get some relief?
I drop the cross body purse I’ve been using during the trip on the bed I’ve claimed, not that it holds much other than a wallet with some cash. I don’t even have an ID anymore. Bones, of course, insisted on having the bed closest to the door for safety reasons. I watch as he shrugs off his leather club vest, squirming at the ripple of his shoulder muscles under his slim fitting red shirt.
“I need a shower,” I mutter. A very, very cold one.
Bones freezes. Not even bothering to look at me, he pulls the vest back on and turns back towards the door. “I’ll be downstairs.”
“Oh my god!” I practically screech at his announcement. He stops, hand still outstretched for the door handle. Anger and frustration drowns any arousal I’d been feeling an instant ago. “What is your problem, seriously?”
Bones twists towards me, his frown giving him a more frightening visage. “I don’t have a problem.”
I let out a humorless bark of laughter, shaking my head. “Yeah, you clearly do. A problem with me, since there’s no other thing I can guess. Was the kiss so bad that you can’t even stand to be around me anymore? Had I known it would make you so uncomfortable I’d never have asked you.” My tone turns snarky, unable to hold it back. “Let me apologize sincerely if that’s your problem. Message received loud and clear.”
Bones turns fully around to face me, leaning his back up against the hotel door as he matches me glare for glare. “And what message would that be, Sloan?”
I snort derisively and gesture at him. “That you can’t stand to be around me anymore unless you absolutely have to. I mean,the moment we’re in this room, you do your best to ignore me. Whatever. I’ve been on my own for most of my life. You don’t have to worry about me bothering you. But seriously, you think I haven’t noticed you leaving any time I take a shower? It’s like I’m so gross to you that you think I’m going to jump you naked or something.”
“Stop talking.”
I stomp over to him, closing the distance at his cold order. I poke him hard in the chest, my anger tinting my vision red. “No.” I state. Then punctuate each word with another jab. “No one tells me what to do anymore. No one.”
Bones’ bronze eyes narrow and his hands flash out, grabbing my wrists. My breath catches at his sudden closeness. His fingers are hot, and the pressure of his grip makes me ache to feel them elsewhere.
“You want to know why I’ve been staying away from you? I’m trying to protect you,” he growls, his voice vibrating deep in his chest. He tugs me closer, his face dipping towards me until I have to crane my head back to maintain eye contact. “You think I hated that kiss? You couldn’t be more wrong. That’s why I’ve been staying away from you. If I’m close to you, if I can smell you or hear your voice, all I can think about is stripping you down and fucking you until you’re screaming my name.”
My mouth goes dry as I try to process what he’s saying. He--what?
“Wait. What?”
“I said,” Bones repeats, his voice turning rough. “That’s the only way I can fuck you. You screaming my name. Otherwise, you’llbe screaming for me to stop. To let you go. For me to leave you alone. And I’ll do it. I’ll leave you alone. You’re safer that way.”
“Bones,” I whisper, the last vestige of my anger fleeing.
He squeezes his eyes shut, and he presses his forehead to mine. “Fuck, Sloan. Don’t say my name like that. Please. You’re not safe with me. You’re a good person, and I’m not. I’m a monster. All that shit they taught you about demons? It wasn’t all wrong.”
I tip my head back, pressing my lips against his. Bones’ hands tighten on my wrists and I think he’s going to push me away, but instead, he kisses me back. Desire surges through my veins as he pulls me closer, his body flush against mine. His tongue sweeps against my bottom lip and I moan, opening my mouth to him. My nipples pebble and I press my thighs together, my pussy aching with the sudden rush of arousal.
I break the kiss, panting hard, and Bones loosens his grip. I pull away slightly and he lets my arms go. My heart pounds as I step away from him, my blood burning.
“You’re not a monster.”
Bones’ expression twists, and he shakes his head. “You don’t know me. If you did, you’d never kiss me again. I’m no saint.”
I can’t stop the bark of laughter as I shake my head. “If you were a monster, you wouldn’t have stopped when we first kissed. I felt how much you wanted me. I was willing. I’d have let you and you pushed me away.”
“You don’t know--“
“Stop,” I snap, cutting him off. “I know you. I know you better than you think. I’ve watched you with the other Knights, when you don’t think anyone is looking. You’re protective, and you’reloyal. You’d do anything to protect your friends and Devil’s Haven. And that includes Reaper, and the other demons. Why else would you have joined the Knights to begin with? I’m not saying that you’re not a dangerous man, Bones. I’m saying you’re not a monster. Maybe you’re a little broken.” I throw my hands out to the side. “Guess what? So am I. I’m not going to ask you to tell me your secrets. I’m not even going to ask you to stay. I’m a big girl. I know the risks, and I know what I’m doing. You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor.”
