The Mute

52

ALISTAIR

As I watched Ariana admire my home, her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the soft light. Her gaze lingered on every detail, and I couldn't help but feel proud. God, she was beautiful. And mine.

"Now, Ari love, you could admire me instead," I teased, tracing the curve of her cheek with my fingertips. Her skin tingled beneath my touch, and she blushed.

"I'll skip the offer," she said, batting her eyelashes innocently. "I find your home rather attractive."

I smirked, pulling her in by the waist. Our bodies aligned, and I savored the warmth of her against me.

"You wound me, love. But I didn't bring you here to share you with my home. Not yet, anyway."

Her sultry voice sent shivers down my spine as she asked, 'Then what did you bring me here for, baby?'"

I leaned in, my breath dancing across her ear. "A wild guess."

Her shiver was palpable as I wrapped my arms around her. "What's wrong, Ari love? Are you cold?" I taunted, grinning as she shot me a glare, her face flushing.

Our noses brushed, and I inhaled her sweet scent. "Ariana," I breathed, her name a plea.

"Yes?" she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I want..." My lips grazed hers, sending sparks through my veins.

"Yes?..." Her voice was breathless and needy as mine. Knowing she wanted me too, made me want to claim her, to take her...

My grip  on her waist tightened. My lips grazed  hers again and that single contact, made me dizzy with want.

Fuck! I had to kiss her now or God help me, I'd go mad.

Just as our lips touched, a snide voice interrupted us.

"Oh, how convenient, don't you think so, Reed? I mean, who needs privacy when you've got a public park?"

I cursed as Ariana pushed me away, escaping my embrace. The sudden loss of her warmth left me craving more. I turned and glared at the intruders.

"You have such impeccable timing as always." The annoying pig had the audacity to roll his eyes.

"Who needs a date when you've got a sneaky smooch?" Acio said, with a smirk.

I gritted my teeth, curbing the urge to strangle the bastard. "What do you want?" I gritted out, irritated.

Acio smirked, looking thoroughly amused. "Won't you introduce us to your girlfriend?"

I glanced at Ariana's face and grinned when I saw that she was blushing. "Ari, meet Acio, the pig. And the poker-faced bastard is Reed."

"Hello," she said shyly, probably still embarrassed about being walked in on.

Hello yourself," Acio replied. "Alistair, you couldn't even be bothered to take the girl upstairs! Unless you're inviting us to join your porn session, we're cool."

I glared at him, wondering how I hadn't murdered the bastard yet.

"Fuck off, Acio," I growled.

He laughed, dropping into the couch. "Not a foursome, then. I never knew you to be a stingy guy."

As we sat down, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Her hand rested on my thigh, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

Reed announced suddenly, "I have to leave."