Alpha Ryder's POV
"Stay with me, Ryder." She whispered softly, her hand caressing my jaw as she moved closer. My gaze dropped to her slightly pouted lips, then lower to her breasts pressed against my chest.
'Claim her!' Sky jumped, pacing restlessly in my mind.
'Shut up.' I hissed, cutting the mind link. I stared at the bold woman standing in front of me, a smirk tugging at my lips.
How could she be so bold and so oblivious to the danger she was walking into? This was supposed to be only a trade, yet here she was, offering herself willingly.
This was getting boring.
"Do you know what you're saying?" I asked, making sure she was in her right senses.
"Yes." She replied quickly, and that surprised me. It was my warning for her to take back her words and run back into the hole she always hid in.
"I want you, Ryder." She said softly, stepping closer until her legs rested on my feet.
"You still have a chance to change your mind."
"No." She shook her head. "This is what I want… please…"
Her eyes stayed on mine, waiting. Silence stretched between us as neither of us spoke, both waiting for the other to break it.
Elodie bit her lip and leaned forward, pressing her mouth against mine. My eyes widened as my hands instinctively went to her waist.
Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me down to her level as she deepened the kiss.
'Fuck.' I gasped, and she took advantage of it, sliding her tongue in as her fingers tangled in my hair. 'Fuck, fuck!'
"Mmm." Her moan sounded in my ears, as her tongue wrestled with mine. She gripped my hair tightly, brushing against my lips as she broke the kiss. I stared at her dumbly while she took a few steps back, avoiding my gaze.
"S-sorry." She muttered, staring everywhere but at me. She pressed her lips tightly and licked the bottom of her lips.
I gulped at the sight and wondered if that was none on purpose.
"Are you mad at me?" She asked when I didn't reply.
Mad at you? I was hard as hell. My little brother was begging to be free from his cage.
I wouldn't have believed anyone if they told me a woman could affect me like this.
"Come here," I commanded. She blinked in surprise.
I hissed and closed the distance myself, wrapping my hands around her waist.
"W-what are you doing?" She gasped, her body pressed tightly against mine.
"You're still an amateur," I whispered, my hand sliding to her neck. "I'll teach you how to kiss properly."
Before she could reply, I leaned down and claimed her lips again, swallowing her words.
"Mm!" She moaned as her knees buckled. I held her firmly, her toes barely touching my legs as I moved us toward the wall.
Something crashed nearby, but I didn't look. Elodie tried to turn her head, but I followed her lips, kissing her again and blocking her view.
Her back hit the wall and I pinned her there, my hands gripping her thigh as she wrapped her legs around my waist. My fingers slid beneath her skirt, and I froze.
"You're not wearing anything, Elodie," I murmured, her warm breath fanning my face.
Her cheeks flushed deeper as she turned her face away. I caught her jaw and made her look at me.
"There's no need to be shy around me," I added, holding her gaze. She nodded softly.
I grabbed the table beside us and dragged it closer. With one sweep of my arm, I cleared it and lifted her onto it.
She stayed still as my fingers slowly worked down the buttons of her skirt.
"P-please… be gentle with me." She whispered, and I stopped.
"I will," I replied simply.
Just as I reached for her skirt, a knock sounded on the door.
"Brother!" Draven's punchable face flashed through my mind, and I froze. "Are you in there?!"
"I don't think the Alpha's in there." Luca's voice followed.
Damn it.
"No, I know my brother's in there." Draven laughed. "I saw him walk in a few minutes ago and he didn't come out. Brother! I know you're in there. Come out!"
I'll fucking kill him.
"Ryder," Elodie whispered fearfully, and I frowned at her.
"What is it?" I demanded.
"T-the door… It's unlocked." She said, and my head snapped toward it.
I forgot to lock it.
"I'm opening it right now!" Draven yelled as the door handle turned.
Elodie was still exposed.
I barely had time to move before the door opened. I stepped in front of her, shielding her body with mine.
"Wooow!" Draven whistled. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Get out," I growled through clenched teeth.
"Oh, looks like I am." He chuckled.
"Luca, get this moron out of here." I snapped.
The door shut moments later. I only moved once their scent faded from the room.
"Are you alright?" I asked quietly.
She nodded and stepped away from me.
"I'm sorry. I caused you trouble." She said, her head slightly bowed.
My gaze lingered on her before dropping briefly to my groin area, now painfully calm.
"I'm glad you know." I turned toward the door. "I'll send a maid to clean this place. Get some rest. Your father will receive the payment tomorrow."
I left before she could say anything.
'You failed.' Sky said grimly.
'You saw what happened.'
"I told you he was in there." Draven's voice echoed down the hallway as he walked with Luca. "I can't believe he got smitten by a woman. After his last girlfriend, I thought he gave up on women."
"DRAVEN!" I roared, marching towards him.
"Brother!" He yelped, turning around. Luca's face lit up and he moved a great distance away from Draven. "You're here. Wait, what's that mad expression on your face? Don't come closer! Stay away from me!"
"I'm fucking killing you!"
"No! Ahh!!! Luca please help me!"