Voracious - Alice Henderson [83]
She thought of the creature out there, prowling, perhaps even now back on their trail.
“Nor do I,” she responded.
“Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that anymore.”
Her brow crinkled. “You mean you think he’s given up now? Before, you wouldn’t agree. What changed your mind?”
“I wouldn’t say he’s given up, but I think if he was dead set on killing you, he’d have tried by now.”
“Tried?” she snorted. “I think he already has … dragging me down in the freezing water, chasing me down the mountain in the dead of night, almost getting me barbecued in that meadow—”
“Maybe he wasn’t trying to drown you in the river. Maybe he was frantic and clutched on to you in panic.”
She stared at him in wonder.
“I mean,” he added quickly, “his MO is to eat people, not drown them.”
“I guess you have a point,” she conceded, though she felt sick at the thought of the river and that thing’s claws holding her fast underwater.
“Sorry if I upset you.”
“No, no,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m just shaken up, I guess.”
“Understandably.” He leaned over and held her, a comforting hug that made her feel some solace. She was glad he was there. Resting her head on his shoulder, she realized how good he smelled. He noticed her breathing him in and smiled.
“Well, I guess we should clean this stuff up,” she said, pulling away.
He still smiled, straightening up. “I’ll do it.”
She stood up, and he instantly rose to his feet, moving so quickly she didn’t see him do it.
His eyes glittered with energy. They stood only a foot apart. The tension hung between them, palpable, lingering. He reached out and touched her arm, caressing down from her shoulder to her wrist, then back up, across her collarbone to her bare neck, his hand warm against her skin there.
His fingers caressed her jawline, and she relished the sensation, closing her eyes momentarily to the arousing caress. He brought his other hand up, stroking her other arm and shoulder, till both hands curled around her neck. He stepped closer. She drank in every sensation.
His thigh moved forward, brushing hers. She shifted her leg so they continued to touch, thigh to thigh. He studied her intently, green eyes roaming over every feature of her face. Then he leaned in, pressing his cheek against hers, the rough of his whiskers gently brushing her skin. He radiated warmth, giving off an enticing scent she couldn’t place.
He inhaled deeply, lips tracing over her cheekbone to her jaw, then down to her chin, her neck. She sighed when he reached the sensitive skin there, and she leaned against the table to steady herself.
Still he breathed her in, mouth moving to her neck. His fingers found the collar of her shirt, and he pulled it down slightly, exposing a collarbone. His lips brushed along it, tongue darting out briefly to taste her, her skin humming to his touch.
Reaching out, she grasped his arm, pulled him still closer, stroking down the muscles between his shoulder blades.
And she could smell him deeply now, his skin, his hair. It was different somehow, the oils of his skin more fragrant, alluring. He turned his head to face her, their lips mere inches apart. She could almost feel his spirit tugging at her, an invisible force drawing her closer, irresistible and intoxicating. Her lips felt hot, engorged with desire.
But Noah didn’t draw closer. He stayed that inch away, eyes melting into her. She leaned a fraction closer, and he sealed the distance, pressing his lips against hers with such feverish passion that a well of electricity surged through her stomach.
His hand laced through her hair, cradling her head. He kissed her deeply, passionately, his tongue darting out to meet hers. He tasted exquisite, like some rich, tropical fruit. The tip of his tongue carried an electric charge when it entwined with her own.
It hadn’t been like this the first time they kissed.
His lips moved from her mouth to her chin, strong kisses then moving along her neck. He tilted her head to the side as his tongue flickered luxuriantly over her skin there. Then his arms