Stunner (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress 0.75)(9)

I held my temper in check and refilled my glass. I needed to make a getaway. Where was Shaz when I really needed him? That’s what best friends were for. To bail you out of dire situations like this one.

“If you had really bothered to pay attention to what I like, I may not have stopped sleeping with you.” I took a sip of whiskey and shot him a smug smile.

“So show me what you like. We’ve got time.” Raoul advanced on me slowly, the predator stalking his prey.

“I really need to get back out there. I’m meeting Shaz.” I knew better than to immediately go for the door. He would love nothing more than a chase.

He stopped just inches away, completely invading my personal space. He was testing me. “He’s probably busy with a piece of tail. There’s no rush. The night is young. Help me make the most of it.”

Raoul wasn’t used to taking no for an answer from me. The disbelief shone in his eyes. He was certain that he would have me.

“What’s wrong, Raoul? Is Belle not available to get you off tonight?” I scoffed. “I’m so flattered to be your second choice.”

With a small growl he closed the remaining space between us. If I stepped back it would press me against the bookshelf. Instead I stood my ground and drank my whiskey like I wasn’t painfully aware of his warmth against me.

“You know damn well you’re not my second choice. Belle might be a freak in bed but nobody is quite like you, Alexa. You make those sexy little noises. And the way you bite your lip, that drives me wild.” He leaned in to brazenly nuzzle me. It was an affectionate, wolfish gesture. Raoul had a way of making it sensual.

“Oh be still my heart,” I said sarcastically but it took more effort than it should have. The scent of his cologne mixed with his musky wolf to tantalize my senses. “Maybe you should start reading a few of these plays you’ve got here. Your sweet talk could use a little improvement.”

His lips were warm as they brushed over mine. I was ready to resist his kiss but he didn’t try for one. Not yet. His breath was warm against my ear when he murmured, “I’ll always be the big, bad wolf and you know it. I’ll leave the sweet talk to the nice guys. We both know that’s not what gets you hot.”

I clutched my glass in a precarious, white knuckled grip. It stung to have him come to me for a lurid night of carnal delight after I’d done my best to make it clear I wasn’t interested in being his plaything anymore. My temper flared and in response, my power rose up to warm my insides.

“I told you I wasn’t doing this anymore. It takes more than just sex to satisfy me these days.” With a hand on his chest, I pushed him back, forcing him to put some space between us.

For a moment I thought he would refuse. We stared into one another, each trying to win a war of silent domination. Raoul’s energy grew frazzled with the rise of his irritation. He really couldn’t believe I was refusing him. Conceited bastard.

He took a few steps back but his gaze never left me. I watched as his eyes bled to wolf. He set his scotch down on the desk with a loud smack. I couldn’t help but brace myself. Raoul could be terribly unpredictable.

“When did you become so high maintenance?” There was no humor in his tone.

I took my time finishing my drink. He wasn’t taking my rejection so well if his beast staring out at me was any indication. I could feel his growing fury like tiny needles stabbing into my skin. I couldn’t help but vibe off his energy. I didn’t like what I was feeling.

“After I moved out of here I guess. I realized that I’m worth more than what you want me to think I’m worth. I’m better than this.” I gestured uselessly to the space between us.

“Not this again.” He scowled, glaring daggers at me. “I thought you’d be over that by now.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.”

I was tense. I could feel the territorial urge of his wolf to claim me. He gave a growl of frustration, low in his throat.

Raoul picked up his glass, drained it dry and moved to the bookshelf for more. It was as good a time as any for me to bring an abrupt end to this conversation.

“Well, I just wanted to say happy birthday. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Raising my empty glass, I nodded and headed for the door.

He moved so fast he nearly upset the almost full bottle of scotch as he dropped it back onto the shelf. Arrogance wouldn’t allow him to let me walk out on him so easily. This was what I’d been trying to avoid.

The den was small. It wasn’t hard for him to block my way out. He slid in front of the door like a snake, danger lurking in his eyes. Just as fast as he’d blocked me, Raoul had me pressed against the wall near the door.

The empty glass slipped from my hand, its fall cushioned by the carpet. My wolf roared up angrily within me, ready to tear a strip out of the male that dared to manhandle me. I snarled up into his face and he laughed.

“Let me go, Raoul. There are plenty of women out there for you to choose from. Don’t make this a battle of wills. You can’t win.”

“It’s my birthday, you little tease. I know you want it. I can smell it all over you.” His voice was rough. His wolf was testing his control.

I’d be lying if I said that not a single part of me wanted him. As much as I loathed Raoul, part of me would always belong to him. I hated that and I’d made a vow to myself that he had gotten all he was going to get from me.