Chapter 8: Armour
Ava crossed her arms. "I assumed because I was disappointing the last night we were together, you wouldn't really be so thrilled to see me or grant me anything."
Lucas barely spared her a glance before rising from his chair with the predatory grace of a beast who knew he was at the top of the food chain. He prowled toward her, closing the distance with an ease that made her pulse jump.
"Does it matter to you that I am disappointed?"
Ava straightened her spine. "Yes. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it. I just don't have any prior experience."
His expression flickered. "There is something about you, Ava. It is stupid and brave all at the same time. You stand before me like a woman who does not fear me."
"Should I?" she challenged. "Life is more than just sex, isn't it? You are a lonely man, Alpha Raventhorn, and you know this. I may be a lowly omega from the Crimson Pack, but if you let me and teach me, I could be much more. I could be your companion. Your friend. Your confidant."
His lips curled into a smirk. "You want me to teach you to please me."
Ava shrugged. "This is part of what you brought me here for, isn't it? Then take me."
A muscle in his jaw ticked as his gaze dropped to her lips. The temperature in the room seemed to shift. When he finally leaned in, his lips met hers with a surprising gentleness—so unlike him. Ava had expected something fierce. But this? This kiss was tender.
She kissed him back, reveling in the moment until a low growl rumbled from his chest. Then, suddenly, he wrenched away as if burned.
"You cannot... I cannot... No!"