After Dark (Between the Veils Series, Book One) by KRIS NORRIS

quite a god, darling, but I won’t argue the fact with you.” His hands fell to the waist of her jeans. “These have definitely got to go.”
    Temperance watched his face as he flicked the button open and lowered the zipper, the harsh sound of the metal teeth parting making his smile widen. He tapped the side of her ass, urging her to lift her hips as he tugged the denim down, pulling it out from under her.
    His groan of appreciation lit the air. “Fuck. I thought for sure you’d have panties.”
    “I find them cumbersome.”
    “And I applaud your decision.” He brushed his hands up her calves, stopping at the soft spot behind her knees. “Your skin is so bloody soft. I swear I might scratch it with only my tongue.” He settled his hands on the inside. “Open for me, Temperance. Let me see how truly beautiful you are.”
    Temperance closed her eyes, not sure she wanted to see his reaction, but he tsked her.
    “Oh, no. I want you to watch me, darling. I need this too badly for it to be only my pleasure.”
    She forced her lids open, captivated by the sheer desire raging in his eyes. He looked more dangerous than the demon had.
    “That’s better. Now show me what’s tickling my senses with the most alluring scent.”
    She took a deep breath, allowing Avery to ease her thighs apart, baring her sex to his gaze. Just seeing his reaction—how his pupils dilated further or how his breathing hitched, then sped—made her feel sexy and powerful, and she tensed her groin, making her clit flutter.
    His breath hissed through his teeth. “Dangerous. Teasing me like that won’t get you any closer to your release.” His gaze swung up to hers. “And you do want me to give you your release, don’t you?”
    She arched one eyebrow. “As much as you want to give it to me. I’m not the only one who’s hungry, baby.” She nodded at his groin. “If your cock gets any harder, that zipper is going to break.”
    “Touché. But I’m not the one soaking the sheet.”
    “And I thought you said something about my clit beneath your tongue.”
    “Yes, I did. I suggest you hold on to something. The ride’s about to get bumpy.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Avery stared at Temperance, her body flushed, her eyes barely open. She looked hot and sexy, and more beautiful than any woman he’d laid eyes on. He’d fully expected her to push him away…to need more proof of his sincerity. But she’d surprised him, offering a part of herself he knew she didn’t share lightly.
    He watched as his words of warning sent a delightful flush across her chest and up her neck, coloring her skin a warm pink. She glanced around the bed, no doubt looking for something to clasp in her hands, before smiling at him and sinking her fingers through his hair.
    He chuckled. He hadn’t meant for her to anchor herself to him, but he had to admit, he liked her way of thinking. Her small fingers scratched his scalp, the sensation pulling his balls tight and making his cock impossibly harder. Fuck, she was right. If he didn’t free it soon, he just might ruin his favorite pair of jeans.
    Temperance hummed, relaxing against the headboard. “I could help you with that. Rid you of those painted-on jeans and give you some relief.” She licked her lips. “I bet you’ll taste like pure sin.”
    He choked on his own saliva, her words accentuated by the images in her head—her lips wrapped around his shaft, her cheeks hollowed, as she took him deep to the back of her throat. He had no doubt she’d be every fantasy, and more.
    Temperance shook her head, tugging on his hair slightly. “Are you inside my head again?”
    He flashed her a wicked grin. “Guilty as charged, darling. But it’s not my fault. You’re practically screaming your thoughts at me.”
    “Then you know I’m serious. I can wait, but you…” She sighed, the sound clearly stating her ability to control her reactions. She could wait, while he…he needed release.
    “Can wait, as