Autumn Storm (The Witchling #2)(31)

Autumn wasn’t sure what to think of his words or why they left her body yearning to test him. His tone made her blush. He drew closer again and sat on the ottoman. His magick was free, as it had been earlier in the day when she saw him at the cliff the first time.

She sat back as far as she could, wanting to swat away the shadows piercing her body. His dark eyes were intense, his nearness making her body hum with urges she didn’t completely understand and her breathing irregular. He wasn’t even touching her. She had a feeling if he did now, she really would be lost. Why did she want that to happen? Did it have something to do with when she’d been at the school before?

Like he baited his brother, Decker was messing with her.

“One-zero,” she whispered.

“Alright,” he said in the husky growl that skated across her nerves. “Game on. Remember you started this.” He motioned her towards him. His knees almost touched the couch already. She’d pulled her legs onto the couch when he approached to keep from what she knew was dangerous contact.

Her eyebrows quirked. She didn’t move.

“Let’s see how brave you are,” he baited. “Come on.”

“I’m not stupid,” she returned.

His slow smile and steady gaze left her fighting not to sink into his shadows and fire. Every nerve in her body ached to feel his touch. She’d conquered pain. She could conquer whatever it was he did to her body. Autumn stayed where she was.

“If I come after you, I’m not letting you go until I’m ready.”

Her breath stuck in her throat at those words. She’d hoped he’d give up when he realized she wasn’t falling for his magick. The idea he’d pursue her thrilled her and terrified her. He wasn’t going to let her go, if she didn’t meet his challenge.

She eased away from the back of the couch. With more calm than she thought she had, she lowered her legs to the space between his and met his gaze. His magick was warring with her self-control; he’d win soon. He knew it.

“I dare you to kiss me once and walk away,” she said.

“Nice try.”

“Not for my sake,” she said carefully. “I don’t think you can do it. Fire, water, spirit … you thrive on impulse.”

He appeared amused. Autumn felt herself slide into his magick. Drawn to him, she leaned forward when he did, anticipating the kiss.

“I’ll accept your dare on one condition,” he whispered. “Next time, it’s on my terms.”

“You seem confident there will be a next time.”

She was aroused before he took her face in his hands. Fire tore through her, evaporating what was left of her control and making the furnace in her lower stomach blaze. In that moment, she knew she’d not just let him do what he wanted, she’d beg him to. Her skin felt raw, the cool brush of his shadows tickling the sensitive areas at her neck. Her eyes closed, and she waited with a hunger that needed to be sated.

His lips were hot and soft against hers, his kiss much gentler than she expected. He teased her with the light pressure. His velvet tongue slid between her lips as his kiss grew deep. He tasted as mysterious as he smelled, a mix of man and night, of danger and magick. His scent, taste and fire filled her, made her forget everything from her pain to where she was. Autumn never thought she’d want anyone to claim her, not if it meant giving up her control.

Right now, she wanted nothing else than to be consumed, to feel the heat and strength of his body pressed against hers.

Mine.

As his magicks spread through her body, some part of her knew she belonged right here, with Decker. Her own restraint no longer seemed …natural, not when Decker was meant to claim her.

He released her face first then broke off the kiss. Autumn opened her eyes, gazing at him. She was breathing quickly, and his gaze was dark with desire.

“There will be a next time.” The huskiness and need in his voice thrilled her. “One-one. We’re even.”

No part of her was able to rein in what she felt. Even without his touch, she was lost to him. Some part of her was triumphant to see him affected as well. It was a small victory, one she wasn’t certain was a victory at all, especially not if it meant he was going to ensure there was a next time.

“We’ll finish this later.” He winced suddenly.

Autumn shifted back as he rose and strode away. She didn’t hear the door open, but she sensed his magick leave.

Her body shook from the effects of his fire. It took her a few minutes before her head returned to her and the passion coursing through her body began to fade. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing deep to steady herself and reinstall her self-control. When she did, she realized how close she’d come to crossing the point of no return. She’d been willing to do anything, go anywhere, let him consume her with his fire and water, no matter what the consequences.

Mine. Was it her thought or his? It came at the point when she’d convinced herself she was meant to be claimed. Or maybe, when he convinced her?

Autumn shook her head, unable to shake off the sensations lingering after his kiss. She couldn’t tell what part of her reaction to him was caused by his magick and what part was natural attraction. He’d seduced her. But she’d wanted him to since the first time they met. She’d wanted to be absorbed in him, because she belonged with him.