Howling Legion (Skinners, Book 2) by Marcus Pelegrimas Page B

weird!”
    Pulling the strap of her dress over her head, Stephanie wriggled just enough for the garment to slide off her body. A few more well-practiced shimmies and the dress was bunched around her high heels. “I mean, see for yourself. Do I look so weird to you?”
    Cole knew he shouldn’t look at her. Stephanie might not have been his favorite person if she was human, and being a Nymar only cranked her attitude up to unbearable degrees. She knew just how to roll her eyes or curl her lip in a way that made him want to wrap his hands around her neck and squeeze. Even so, with her standing naked in front of him, he had to remind himself over and over again why he shouldn’t like her.
    She was a Nymar.
    She admitted to sending more Nymar to scout a few blocks from where he and Paige called home.
    She’d threatened their lives more than once.
    She…looked damn good wearing nothing but black heels and a grin. The markings beneath her skin didn’t cover her entire body, but radiated from the middle of her chest. Spots along her stomach and waist were perfectly smooth and clean, while sections of her neck, arms, and thighs were marked in a way that resembled standard black tribal tattooing. As he examined her, he could see the tendrils writhingslowly inside of her. With his eyes already below her waist, he couldn’t help but notice the way she’d trimmed her pubic hair into a design that resembled more tendrils running between her legs. That was a little unsettling, but she made it work.
    “I’m not the same woman I was a few months ago,” she purred. “I was angry and things were so bad with all the trouble that was going on. But you stopped that.”
    “Paige and I stopped it.”
    “Right. You stopped it and I’m so grateful. Your partner just wants to fight. If she has her way, there won’t be any progress.”
    “Progress?” Cole scoffed.
    “Look around you, sweetie. This place ain’t some alley. This is a real business. Do you know how much money we pull in every week?”
    “No, but I bet you’re going to tell me.”
    “Or…” she said as she eased her hand up along Cole’s stomach and chest, “you could find out for yourself.”
    “Why would you want to give me such an opportunity?”
    “Because the two of us could make things in this town run smoothly. I could keep the Nymar in line and you could—”
    “I could be the one to take out anyone who you don’t like,” he cut in.
    “You could take out the troublemakers. Isn’t that what Skinners do already?”
    Pushing her hand away, Cole said, “You’re not supposed to come down to Cicero. You were warned, and I suppose you needed to see if Paige and I were really paying attention. We are, and if anyone wanders where they’re not supposed to go, we’ll shut down all your places. Starting with this one.”
    Stephanie put on a hurt expression as she tugged at Cole’s belt. Somehow, she managed to get it open in a matter of seconds. “There are other fringe benefits,” she said as she took his hand and guided it to the front of her body. “And the first one’s free.”
    Cole tried to pull his hand back, but lost the will to struggle when he felt just how soft Stephanie’s body was. Herbreast was firm and her nipple rigid with anticipation. Even the Nymar markings added a smooth, ridged texture to her flesh. Soon, her leg was rubbing against his and he could feel the warmth between her thighs through his jeans.
    He knew damn well what she was doing, and thanks to some of his more recent sparring sessions, wasn’t so eager to partake. “Get away from me, Steph.”
    “You don’t mean that, sweet stuff.”
    “Yeah,” Cole snapped as he shoved her away. “I do.”
    The slightest hint of confusion drifted across her face as she grabbed his waist. She struggled with him as if she’d forgotten she wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing, holding on using the strength that set her well above human norms.
    Breaking her hold with more force