"Sorry…" Ethan mumbled, setting the glass down on the table. "If I stay, it will be… easier."
It didn't feel easier.
It felt hot.
Not exactly painful, but hot to the point that my body ke
pt telling me if I only scooted a little bit closer to him, I'd be okay. If only he'd tilt his head a fraction of an inch and kiss me — the pain would dissipate completely. I was at war with my own body, and I hated him for causing it — for bonding with me without even asking if it was okay first.
Not that I'd had a lot of options once my number had been called.
And once Cassius had marked me.
I'd dreamt of him again.
Of his cool lips. I'd reached out, but the minute my hands had come into contact with his body, I'd been jolted awake by Mason.
His words had been clear. "Never, under any circumstances touch Cassius." Even in my dreams.
Weird.
A shudder wracked my body. Ethan let out a curse then wrapped his arm around me. His skin was hot to the touch, but it still comforted me. I ducked my head under his arm and let out a heavy sigh as another wave of pain shot from my toes all the way up to my head, causing a splitting headache.
I turned into his body — not really in control of my own actions — just knowing that he would make it better.
He shifted next to me, pulling me closer.
"So…" His voice was hoarse. "Tell me about… school."
"What?" I gasped, my voice sounded like I'd spent the night screaming at a concert. "School?"
"Yeah, your studies… about immortals. Tell me about it."
"Immortals suck." I sighed. "If I disrespect you enough, will you kill me?"
His lips twitched as if he was fighting a smile. "Not now, no. It would be like killing myself."
"And that's supposed to deter me from wanting certain death?"
This time he did smile. "What did you learn about mating?"
"There was no mating chapter." My hand pressed against his chest. What was I doing? My fingers ducked into the V of his white shirt, pressing against his warm skin. I wanted to taste him. Why?
"Hmm…" His free hand moved to cover mine and slowly peel it from his body. "That's unfortunate."
"Yeah." I jerked my hand away from his and placed it against his skin again. It felt too good, and I was so sick and tired of feeling pain.
He hissed out a breath and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the headboard. "You have one more transition before the bond is complete. Your body will crave mine… but it doesn't have to mean anything."
"Huh?" I was too distracted by the curve of his full mouth to hear all the words coming out of it. His lips were so full and inviting. I leaned forward.
Ethan kept my body pinned so I couldn't move. The more I squirmed against him the more irritated he looked. His eyes were so green and captivating it seemed like they were glowing.
"Not this way," he whispered. "When you come to me… fully as yourself. When your love for me and only me blots out any sort of physical need you have — that's when I'll give in."
"And if that never happens?" I fought against him; I just wanted a taste, and I didn't even like him. It made no sense.
He shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time."