“They’re getting worse.”
Concern filled his face, and he turned his piercing green eyes on me. I sucked in my breath at the internal struggle etched into his handsome face, where an intense amount of love and protectiveness reflected. A whole new side of Nikolai King emerged right before my eyes.
And then, as if he could read my mind, he quickly covered his emotions and once more pivoted back to playful. His easy smile returned as if nothing had happened. It was skillful deflection at its finest. I couldn’t help but admire the ease with which he wielded it.
Wonder if he taught lessons? I was sure I could use them.
“I swear, though, I’ve never seen him this relaxed after, ever.” He moved closer and lifted his hand to my hair, brushing it back off my shoulder. “You’re definitely doing something. Only time will tell if it’s a good thing or not.”
He reached up and caressed my face, letting his thumb trail over my lower lip. A surge of anticipation and yearning shook me. What the hell was happening here? His eyes still held a hint of longing as he continued to stare at me. I blinked rapidly, not understanding these games.
After several minutes, he spoke. “Marcus wanted to know when you want dinner brought up.”
The smirk on his face said it all. With a nervous laugh, I stumbled over my words.
“Yeah, about that.”
His amused expression only exacerbated my flustered state. Had I been too eager in my approach? It had not gone unnoticed, that was for sure, because he was waiting for me to answer. He raised an eyebrow in my direction. Damn, he made me nervous.
Trying to laugh it off, I scrambled to find my words. “It was a bit cheeky, to be honest. And I must say the wait is killing me. I’m starving.” My eyes drifted to Alek’s face lying in my lap. “But I hate to wake him. Maybe we can have his brought up later?”
I jumped when Alek spoke.
“I’m awake, and we can have it brought up anytime,” he grumbled, shifting.
I went to move his head to get up, but he grabbed me tighter. “Not done with you yet. Crow, you can leave. We’ll talk later.”
Tension raced back into Alek’s body, and I didn’t miss the look of guilt that passed over Nik’s face. I had no idea what was transpiring between them. But I was smart enough to understand they had a hierarchy of sorts, and Alek was unhappy with Nik. It probably had to do with earlier, I surmised.
I watched Nik’s retreating body as he left, but my attention was pulled back to Alek as he brushed his lips against my knee. He kissed his way up my leg, rising and dragging the sheet up with him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he leaned over and kissed my lips softly.
“Thanks, kitten. Now it’s my turn to ask you to leave. You’ve got me hard as fuck once more. It’s taking everything in me not to take advantage of the fact you’re in my bed. Go get dinner sorted. I’ll be out soon.”
Leaning over once more, he kissed me deeply. My chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh as I pulled back and touched his face. “Tell me you’re at least feeling better. I’ve got something planned for later but want to make sure you’re up for it,” I whispered, my face flushing at his wicked grin.
“I find myself always up for you. Go now,” he growled, dropping the sheet and walking into his bathroom.
I scrambled off the bed and dashed to his door. Stepping outside, I leaned against it, trying to still my heart. My eyes were closed, and I was startled when Nikolai spoke.
Was he waiting for me?
I glanced around nervously and shifted before him.
“I’m sorry about earlier. Please say you’ll forgive me.”
My heart fluttered at the gentleness of his voice. He stepped closer, stroking my hair. His other hand cupped my jaw. I met his intense stare, and my heart flipped again. He should absolutely not be looking at me like this. My eyes darted up and down the hall as I prayed that no one was there to see. His low, deep laugh told me everything.
“Run along, baby girl. I hear you have something wicked up your sleeve for this evening. You probably should have asked to see the cards before putting your plan in motion. It’s too late now. Jenna won’t let you hear the end of it if you go all saintly on us.”
“I’m no saint, Crow.”
“Something tells me there is a hint of truth in that statement. For my sake, I hope so.” He gave me a half smile, where only the right side of his mouth turned up, and his eyes danced wickedly.
He pressed his lips to mine, ravishing me once more with a kiss so devastating that I forgot anyone could see us. I even forgot that Alek could open his door and see me kissing his brother like a dirty whore. As abruptly as he began, he stopped.
Then, without a second glance, he opened Alek’s door and disappeared inside, leaving me confused and breathless.
Chapter 33
