I ran a palm over her silky hair. “I’m so sorry, Jemma. I’m … just so sorry.” There seemed to be nothing else I could say to make this better.

“So, yeah …” she managed a watery chuckle that held no mirth. “That’s why I’m afraid of the dark.”

“And here I have been calling you Mouse, teasing you with it, and all that time, it must have been reminding you of⁠—”

“Don’t you dare stop calling me Mouse!” Her voice was stern. “I like it.”

“You do?” I asked in disbelief.

She lifted her head, resting her chin on my chest and eyeing me through swollen eyelids. “I didn’t to start with, but it’s grown on me. Besides, I’d rather hear the word and think of you, SJ.”

Something in my chest bloomed at those words, and I couldn’t contain it any longer. I cupped her damp face and brushed my lips against hers.

She was so soft there, and I wanted to feast on that softness. But that was selfish of me. She was so sad, and she’d had an awful night—in large part because of me. I pulled back, readying to apologise for taking liberties that were not mine to take.

Her fingers snaked around my neck and tugged me back to her. Her tongue traced my lips, and I was gone.

With a groan, I took her mouth deeper, my tongue sliding against hers, my chest throbbing with … need, I thought. I pressed her closer until her whole body was flush with mine. Every delightful curve of hers moulded so perfectly against my devilish body. As if we were supposed to fit together like this.

Lash after lash of her hot little tongue sent desire curling in me. And when her hands tangled in my hair, accidentally brushing against my horns, I growled, my hands sliding down to cup her perfect arse to rock her against my erection.

She tore her mouth from mine with a gasp. I immediately released my grip on her.

“That was too much, I …”

“I need the loo again, SJ!” she muttered, scrambling out of bed and hugging her stomach. I jumped out after her. She tried the switch again, but still no electricity lit the room.

“Oh my God. This is the worst … will you come to the bathroom with me?” She sounded horrified at the thought.

I lifted her into my arms and silently carried her to the bathroom. Once inside, I set her by the lavatory and moved just outside the open door. “Enough light?” I asked quietly.

“Yes,” she mumbled.

“Enough privacy?”

“No … but the sentiment is appreciated.”

I fought a smile and lost.

27. Giant Softies and Sizeable Stiffies

Chapter 27

Giant Softies and Sizeable Stiffies

SJ