Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
“Come here,” I say, and my voice doesn’t sound like my own. When she hesitates, I hold out my hand, silently begging her to take it.
“You’re lucky this shirt is basically a nightgown,” she huffs as she comes over and I help her climb up on the tall bed. “By the way, you’re out of floss. I checked all the cabinets and drawers.”
“That’s what took so long,” I tease as she crawls under the covers. Thinking it’s best to have some kind of barrier between us, I stay on top of them. “You were snooping.”
“If you’re going to leave me alone, yes, I’m going to snoop.” She shrugs one shoulder, and it makes me want to kiss that soft part of her body.
“Find anything interesting?” I turn on my side to talk to her and see her staring at my bare chest. I have the urge to flex or run my hand down it, but I stay still and let her take me in. After all, isn't that just what I did to her?
“So I guess an insane amount of muscles is a side effect too,” she whispers, more to herself than me.
“Do you want to go into my closet next?” I nudge her with my foot because I want her to talk to me.
“It’s probably just as boring as your bathroom.” She pretends to be irritated, but I see that cute blush on her cheeks.
“Fine, but you’ll miss the dead bodies.” Her eyes snap up to mine, and I grin down at her.
“In all the pictures I saw of you, you were never smiling.” She tilts her head to the side like she’s considering it. “It looks nice on you.”
“You seem to have a strange effect on me.”
Her hand is resting between us, and I can’t help it; I have to touch her. My fingers brush over the tips of hers, and when her hand opens, I take it. With our fingers entwined, there’s a warmth inside me that makes me feel calm yet sure. I’ve never experienced this kind of peace, and I wonder how Jade has done this to me.
Her intoxicating scent is in my bed now, and maybe that’s a bad idea. If she ever leaves, it will drive me to the brink of insanity. If she ever leaves? Did I really just have a thought of keeping her forever? I’ve studied all the data we have on Formula X and all the tests that were done. Including the one on my father and myself, then Keaton Lone. The common side effect is being so sensitive to touch that it’s a repellent. The strange thing about that is that I saw Keaton with Elsy Harbor and the way they embraced. He didn’t cringe away. In fact, it was like he couldn’t get close enough to her. That’s how I feel about Jade right now. I want to cover her body with mine and move inside of her. I want every inch of our bodies connected in a way I’ve never dared to dream was possible.
“What are you thinking about?” Her soft voice breaks through my thoughts, and I realize she’s trailed her fingers up my arm. She’s the one doing the touching now.
“How much I want to kiss you,” I admit. If I can’t be honest with Jade, then I don’t deserve her. She’s the truest person I’ve ever met, and I see the honesty in her eyes. That’s why I have to protect her and protect her family. She’s innocent in all of this, and damn me for putting them in danger.
“I mean, I guess that would be okay.” She pretends to shrug it off again, but I see the way her eyes move to my lips. Feeling bold, I pull the covers off of her and grip her thigh. In one quick tug, I have her flush against me. “Whoa.”
“Superhuman strength has its advantages,” I whisper as my hand moves under the hem of her shirt and I rub my palm over her warm skin.
Her hands move up to my chest, and every place she touches me is like a new part of my skin that’s come alive. I thought being pressed up against her body outside was heaven, but clearly I was wrong. Skin on skin with Jade is ecstasy, and my body trembles with need.
“You’re shaking.” She looks up at me through her lashes, and all I can do is nod.
Her full, lush lips part, and I’m weak to their temptation as I give in to desire and cover her mouth with mine. There’s not a part of me that holds back as I suck on her lips and then taste her tongue. She moans, and I demand more as my hold on her thigh tightens and I pull it over my waist. The scent of her is driving me crazy, and even now it’s getting stronger. I can taste it, and it’s like the first time I had ice cream. All I want to do is have more and more and more.