Gypsy Freak (All The Pretty Monsters #2)(51)

A beautiful pink box is tied with a black satin bow. The box is a perfect, small square. I’m smiling as I take it, deciding to drop the other topic, since he has no clue about the conversation I’m having in my head.

Gently, I pull the ribbon free and open it up. I realize he’s a very thorough stalker when I see what’s inside.

“I know you have those little pink satin trimmings you put in your bra—”

“You watch me when I undress?” I ask as I roll my eyes, battling the stupid, very inappropriate smile on my face as I touch the smooth, strong satin.

It was an invasion of privacy not that long ago. Why am I now smiling about it?

“Only when you’re kind enough to do it in front of the salt line or leave the door open,” he deadpans.

It occurs to me how I could keep him from spying, now that he’s said that, and I school my features so I don’t give it away.

I wonder if he can’t cross a salt line without losing his illusion. And if he breaks my salt line, I’ll feel it.

“Does that earn me gratitude, or was it too understated? I thought about getting you a car, but worried that’d be obnoxious,” he adds as he pulls out the ribbons he has no clue serve the purpose they do, and I just slowly slip out of my shoes.

He doesn’t give me any reaction when I put my hand on his arm. “I almost got you a different color, but realized everything you buy for yourself is pink, aside from your clothes. You have no pink clothing actually—”

He stops talking when I get on my tiptoes and drag his face down to mine.

He kisses me in surprise at first, but then he drops the box, and his arms go around my waist as he deepens the kiss. It’s easy to be bold with Damien, since he’s a sexual deviant by nature.

“Can I be greedy and take both gift options?” I ask against his lips, trying to play this smooth…but sounding…so cheesy.

He kisses me harder, one hand coming up to gently, but firmly, cup the back of my head like he’s worried I’ll pull back at any second, and he plans to keep me here.

He lifts me suddenly, and my legs go around his waist as he carries me over to the bed with just one arm shelfed under my ass.

I’m not sure what kind of strength he has to lower us as quickly and gracefully as he does, but my back comes down on the bed without me ever feeling the slightest bit unsteady.

“To be clear,” he says as he kisses his way down my neck, “you meant me and not the car, right?”

I’m not sure why I laugh, but I feel his smile against my chest as he kisses his way down, his breath heating me through the fabric of my shirt.

Suddenly he’s off me, and I dart a look around.

“Surely you didn’t think I was going to take you like a common horny teenager,” he says from somewhere in the room.

I feel breath at my cheek, and I jerk my gaze there.

The warm breath comes at my other cheek, just as Damien’s body fills in the space and presses against my back.

“There are rules with me,” he murmurs against my cheek.

I see his hand when it comes up my hip, pushing my jeans down as he kisses his way across my neck.

“The most important rule is rule number one.”

When he doesn’t immediately continue, I arch into him, causing him to release a small groan as a heat starts in my core, wanting him a lot more with every tortured sound he makes.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks. “Seems rather abrupt.”

He turns my face, his eyes narrowing on mine like he’s searching for valid permission.

He needs to feed on sexual energy after spending so much of it on this party. Vance said he doesn’t feed anymore. It’s what I tell myself to feel better about how stupid this probably is.

“I want to spend my birthday with the only person who planned to spend it with me, and I don’t want to overthink it. Are you sure you want to do this?”

His lips twitch, and he pushes my jeans the rest of the way down. Normally, I’d be a little shier at this point in the process—half dressed and awkwardly getting onto the part where we’re lost in the moment—but it’s Damien. He’s likely seen the vast majority of my body in every state of undress.

His lack of boundaries are disturbing…until you get to know him and understand him a little better. You know…if you can appreciate the fact he’s not a typical man and all.

To be honest, I’m still adjusting.

“Then let me explain rule number one. It’s simple, really,” he says, his lips brushing over mine as his hand runs up my hip. “Don’t fucking die.”





Chapter 19





VIOLET


I’m the one working not to smile this time, since I know he’s being serious. He fortunately doesn’t notice as he lifts up and pulls his shirt over his head.

I’m not sure where it lands, because my efforts to restrain a smile get lost as I gawk, taking in every uncovered inch of Damien Morpheous.

It’s…not something I’m prepared for, because it’s like he’s meant to be stared at, and I’ve been exposed for far too long.

His lips find mine in a surprising, hungry kiss, and I pull him down, bringing his body close enough to touch mine, wishing my shirt was gone as well. My fingers dig into the firm flesh of his back as I kiss him with a little more eagerness, and my hips arch into him, finding just a teasing amount of friction.