Free Aflame (Apotheosis) by Krissy Daniels Page B

thread on his shirt.
    “Soul mates.” She loathed those two words. This time however, she was a little more inclined to believe him. He kissed her forehead and pushed himself off the bed. “I need a shower, how about you?”
    She lifted the blankets and looked down at herself. Crap. Someone had covered her with a large black t-shirt. Zander, no doubt. “Um, I’ve got no clothes.”
    Zander pointed to the dresser on the right. “I filled your duffel bag yesterday, you know, before we um...” he scratched his head. “I put your clothes in there. We’ll get you more soon.”
    “I’m never going back to my apartment, am I?” It figured. Forever on the run. Her life story.
    “No Grayce. This is your home now.” He disappeared through a door she hadn’t noticed before and failed to close it behind him. The whoosh of running water piqued her interest and she lifted her head for a gander. Oh, for the fucking love of everything. Zander. Naked.
    A drift of searing heat made its way through her lungs and spread through limbs, heart and head. In her wildest dreams she couldn’t have imagined a more perfect, beautiful man. The way his skin stretched taut and smooth over every muscle and vein on his sun kissed body reminded her of golden caramel. His chiseled muscle from head to toe didn’t look real. One hundred percent pure, raw, male power stood only feet away and the need to claim him overwhelmed her.
    She spied as he stepped into the glass encased shower. When she leaned over the bed to get a better view, a thumping, aching heat pounded in between her legs. The sensation was so intense her thighs clenched together. Shit. What was happening? She’d never felt anything like this. A flush burned her cheeks and her head felt detached. A relentless rhythm pounded down there. Was this lust? Was this what it felt like to want somebody? Unable to peel her eyes away, she shifted to get a better look until he disappeared behind the steam.
    Oh fuck, what now? Her body screamed for something. A release. It needed a release—or him. Why? A few days ago, she would’ve killed anyone who suggested she’d ever need a man, want a man. Her core grew hotter and a light sheen of moisture formed on her skin. Every muscle ached with hunger.
    * * * *
    Accustomed to being alone, Zander neglected to shut the door before he stripped his clothing and stepped into the flow of steamy water. He lathered up and hoped like hell to wash away the lustful urges he’d been battling for days.
    Laying in bed with Grayce had almost been his undoing. The beast in him had wanted to rip off her clothes and take her, because it was his right as her mate. The man in him had lain heartbroken, searching for a way to put the puzzle pieces of her life together.
    Zander had been tempted many times before by desirable women. He always turned them away. It was a no brainer. Cheating wasn’t his nature, and although he’d yet to meet Grayce, knowing she existed was more than enough to keep him faithful. Temptation was no match to the desire to be the man she deserved. He had spent many tortured nights alone in bed, starving for his woman’s touch, her embrace, her naked skin pressed against his.
    Being a male and human, there were of course physical needs. He dealt with those just like any other warm blooded male. An active imagination, his right hand, and quality time with himself added up to a daily ritual that he sure as shit wasn’t going to miss.
    Sharing a bed with Grayce and knowing he wouldn’t touch her soft, warm skin, or taste her full pink lips had been pure torture. Hands down, the most difficult night of his life.
    As he tried and failed to wash away the torrid thoughts, a wave of fear and panic washed over him. And something else.
    Something was wrong with Grayce.
    Not bothering to dry off, he abandoned the shower and ran to the bedroom. His heart dropped to his gut, bounced around a bit, then settled somewhere near his groin. Grayce sat on her