The taste of her arousal infiltrated her senses, kicking up her heartrate even more, and the tenderness quickly turned to heat. Her thighs gripped his legs in a silent urge for more, and he grinned against her mouth.

“You want me to fuck you,” he said.

“Yes.”

“Tell me. Say the words.”

“Fuck me.” Caro didn’t expect them to be so easy to say, but they fell from her mouth without preamble. Not because he demanded it, but because the crude request felt right. From what she knew of Sethios, he didn’t make love; he fucked.

“Mmm, beautiful.” He traced her lower lip with his tongue and lightly nipped her. “Sadly, I must decline.”

Decline? “What?”

“This was for you,” he murmured, his thumb wiping the moisture away from the edge of her mouth. “And you’re not ready to beg me yet.”

“I… What?” That made no logical sense.

“Delayed gratification, Caro. Trust me.” He winked and pulled away, fixing her skirt as he went. “Now, I’ve had a delectable snack. What about you? Ready for lunch yet?”

“Lunch?” she repeated, utterly confused.

“Yes.” He touched her hot chocolate mug with the back of his hand. “This appears to have cooled enough for you to drink now. You work on that, and I’ll fix you something to eat.”

She looked at the cup and then back at him. “I want sex, not food.”

He grinned. “You have no idea how much I love hearing you say that.”

“Then fuck me.” Again it came out so easily. She might start using the word more liberally. It was quite fun.

“Oh, I intend to. But you need food first.”

Caro gaped at him. He’d practically demanded she fornicate the first night they met. Now he was saying no? “I don’t understand.”

“You require nutrients, Caro. I’m feeding you.”

“But—”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “Let me take care of you. Please.”

Her eyes widened, startled by the sincerity radiating from him. The man was a living, breathing conundrum. One minute seducing, the next nurturing.

“The baby needs food,” he added. “In case you were looking for a rational reason.”

She blinked.

Right. Food facilitated growth.

“Then sex.” What is wrong with me? She shouldn’t be demanding this. But she wanted it. Badly. For no practical purpose other than to feel. This man is going to be the death of me.

“Don’t worry, Caro. I’ll give you what you need.” His smile was positively wicked.

“Why do I think that’s not what I’m requesting,” she said slowly.

“Because you’re intelligent, angel.” He cupped her cheeks again and kissed her softly. “I do owe you another orgasm—since you asked so sweetly—and I intend to deliver.” The words were a breath against her lips, followed by a punishing nip. “After you eat something. Immortal or not, our baby requires food.”

“Our baby,” she repeated. Why did that phrase spread warmth from her chest? “You really want to do this.”

He pulled back to gaze into her eyes. “I won’t lie to you, Caro. It’s not something I’ve ever wished for, but I’ve not once considered the possibility of not having this child with you. Destiny or not, it feels too right.”