Tempting a King (King Family Romance Book 1) by Isla Drake (small books to read .txt) 📗

heat and look away from her gaze. There was nothing but innocent curiosity in Claire’s question, but I can’t help but feel that everything Finn and I did on the pier is written on my face. I nod.

“Yeah,” I say, glad my voice comes out sounding normal. “We did. Your brother’s pretty great.”

She nods. “I think so. But don’t tell him I admitted that out loud.”

I smile. “Promise.”

Claire seems to study me for a moment before she says, "You're good for him, you know? I've always thought so."

I’m not sure what to say to that. I think about the way Finn laughed earlier at dinner—enthusiastic and full of life. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am good for him. Maybe we’re good for each other.

“Thanks. I think maybe he’s good for me too.”

Claire smiles as though she can hear all the things I don’t say. Then she gives me a little wave and leaves, the door clicking quietly shut behind her. I watch the glow of her car’s headlights through the front window as she drives away. I stand frozen in the living room for several seconds, listening to the ticking of the big clock on the wall. The house is far too quiet tonight. It always is, after Liam goes to bed. It doesn't normally bother me, but tonight it has me feeling restless. Or maybe that has to do with Finn and all the things we didn’t finish. I remember his strong arms around me, his mouth on my neck. I think of his sexy groan as I sucked him into my mouth. I hadn’t planned to do that. It really isn’t like me to be so bold. I don’t know what it is about Finn that turns me into an insatiable sex fiend. I remember the way he lifted me into his arms and impaled me on his dick the other night. Okay, so maybe I have some idea of why he makes me act this way.

An involuntary shiver runs through me and I jolt out of my haze. I walk down the hall and check on Liam. He’s sleeping soundly in his bed. I should probably go to bed myself, but I know I’m too wired to sleep right now. I walk to the kitchen and pour a splash of Irish whiskey into a glass. Maybe the strong drink will help settle my nerves so I can sleep. I take a tiny sip of the amber liquid, enjoying the smoky burn as it warms me from the inside. I can feel it starting to calm me just a bit. My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter, making me jump.

My eyes shoot to the phone as it buzzes again. I pick it up and smile when I see Finn’s name. I swipe my thumb across the screen.

“Hey.”

Finn’s voice comes through the speaker, low and seductive. “Tell me you want to sleep alone tonight. Tell me I should just go home and think about you while I take myself in my hand and finish what we started. Hannah, tell me we can’t be together tonight, and I’ll go home right now.”

I sigh as my eyes close. My grip on the phone is so tight I think I might break it. I take a deep breath. Then another. Finally, I whisper, “Don’t go home.”

“Oh, thank God.” Finn’s words are as heartfelt as any prayer I’ve ever heard. I would laugh but I feel like I’m balanced on the edge and the most I can manage is a breathless chuckle. Seconds later, I hear a faint knock on my front door. I’m not aware of walking to the door, but I’m suddenly there, pulling it open to see Finn standing before me.

His expression is one I’ve only seen once before. It’s intense, wild, possessive and it’s locked on me. I step back to let him in. He stalks through the door, closing and locking it behind him without turning away from me. My heart pounds and I feel like I can’t get enough air into my lungs. Finn takes a step closer, stopping just short of touching me.

“We have to be quiet,” I whisper.

Finn’s mouth cocks up in a sexy grin. “I can be quiet. Are you sure you can?”

I’m not at all certain I can be quiet when it comes to the things this man does to me. But I never back down from a challenge. I raise one eyebrow and give a little shrug.

“One way to find out.”

His hands cradle my face. They’re gentle in their grip, but it’s his eyes that hold me captive. They seem to be searching mine for something. His thumb strokes my cheek and his gaze travels lower to my mouth. I wonder if he’s thinking of what I did with my mouth earlier. I feel a rush of hot desire flood through me when I remember how close he’d been to losing control. I lick my lips and his eyes widen slightly.

I expect him to kiss me, but instead, his brows draw lower and he says, “Hannah, are you sure? I don’t want you to do anything you’re not ready for.” His gaze goes toward the hallway—toward Liam’s room. I know what he’s asking.

“I’m a mom first,” I say. “That boy in there is my world. I haven’t dated anyone seriously since he was born, so we’re probably going to have to figure some of this out as we go. I want to talk to him about this before he sees you at the breakfast table.”

Finn nods. “Understandable.”

“But,” I say, “I want you in my bed tonight.” I close my eyes and shake my head. “Am I a terrible mother?”

“Hannah, look at me.” When I open my eyes, Finn is giving me that intense, direct look that I can’t look away from. “You’re an incredible mother. Liam is lucky to have you. Taking something for yourself doesn’t mean you’re taking something away from him.” He grins. “And I’m not just saying that because