Four-Letter Words by Evans, Gabrielle (top 10 books of all time .txt) 📗

“Well, I suppose if you’re going to twist my arm.” Zasha’s quiet laughter fanned over Thane’s collarbones, and he wiggled closer, molding himself to Thane from sternum to groin.

Soft, moist lips traveled up the column of his throat, and Zasha’s slippery tongue traced the shell of his ear, pulling a different kind of shiver from him. Feeling off-balanced—and maybe even a little needy—after his dream, Thane soaked up the attention. “Mmm, I could get used to this.”

The simple statement seemed to rouse Zasha from whatever spell he was under, and he stilled his exploration, stiffening as he pulled away. “The sun is setting,” he mumbled. “I’ll fight you for the shower.”

Groaning as his cock hardened and throbbed, Thane rolled on top of his mate, pinning the vampire’s shoulders to the mattress. “Or you could join me.” He nipped at Zasha’s lips, teasing the seam with his tongue until he was finally granted entrance to the sweet depths.

The kiss was heated, fueling the fire that burned in his gut, but as always, that was as far as he got before Zasha pushed him away. “C’mon, Thane, we need to get moving.”

Sighing in disgruntlement, Thane fell to his side of the mattress, flopping onto his back and throwing his arm over his eyes. They’d been sharing the same bed from day one, but they were still a thousand miles apart.

Zasha wouldn’t feed from him, insisting he get his nourishment from a blood bag instead of letting Thane provide for him. His mate would indulge in a sip here and there, just to appease him—like with the occasional kisses—but that was as much as he would give.

When they’d first pulled him from the well, when he’d been underfed and barely hanging on to life, he’d understood. In the weeks since then, however, he’d gained nearly thirty pounds and was growing stronger by the day thanks to a little magic and blood supplements from his mate.

Had he been shot, stabbed, burned, or even clubbed over the head, the occasional drops of crimson from Zasha would have cured him almost instantly. Unfortunately, the healing properties only extended so far.

Yes, he was growing stronger, but not even blood from his mate could restore him to his natural weight and health overnight. Still, he was well enough to care for his partner—if Zasha would only let him.

“Thane.” Fingertips fluttered over his forearm, traveling from wrist to elbow. “Don’t be that way. You know why I have to say no.”

At the risk of sounding childish, no, he honestly didn’t understand why Zasha continued to deny him. “Tell me again.” Perhaps he was missing something that would suddenly become clear after the fiftieth repetition.

“Well, one of us has to be sensible, don’t we?” The laughter in Zasha’s voice did nothing for Thane’s mood.

“How do you mean?” He was going to give the guy a chance and hope he hadn’t meant that statement like it sounded.

“I know you want to take care of me, but you’re still healing. I adore how giving you are, but sometimes you…well, you’re more emotional than logical.”

Yep, it was just as bad the second time, possibly worse. “You can have the shower.” Pushing into a sitting position, he swung his legs over the edge of the mattress and stood. “I’m going for a run.”

“Thane, stop it. The doctor hasn’t cleared you for that yet.” Jumping up from the bed, Zasha blocked his exit. “Give it time. You’re not strong enough yet.”

“I’m not a child,” Thane barked. “I’m not going to drop dead if I go jog in the fucking woods.” His bad mood was only partially because of his mate, but he was tired of being coddled and treated like an invalid.

Every waking moment, his body yearned to feel Zasha’s soft, naked skin beneath his palms. The deep-rooted connection that simmered between them only strengthened, and the clawing need to be with his Infinity rose to blistering levels, burning hotter to the point of pain.

Adding to his disgruntlement was the fact that Thane vividly remembered a time when Zasha hadn’t been able to resist him, a time when the man couldn’t go five minutes without wanting him. If that wasn’t bad enough, it was painfully obvious that Zasha had no recollections of those days.

“You’re kind of being a dick.” This was said as fact rather than criticism, and a tiny smirk tilted one corner of Zasha’s lips.

“Yeah, well, at least I didn’t claim your brother.” The accusation was past his lips before he could stop it, and Thane felt like a toddler, lashing out because someone had taken away his favorite toy. “Zasha—”

Holding his hand up to halt Thane’s apology, Zasha stepped away as sadness clouded his gaze. “It’s okay. I deserved that.”

He really didn’t. While technically accurate, Thane’s accusation had been below the belt and taken out of context. Yes, Zasha had bitten his brother, Lynk, during their first meeting, but it hadn’t been a claiming bite. He’d also been convinced that Lynk was his mate.

Of course, he’d gotten the entire story secondhand, so it was a little easier to be forgiving. If he had been there to witness the event—well, he wouldn’t think about that. He understood why Zasha had been confused. Thane had never been the type to hold a grudge, especially for something like miscommunication.

Zasha’s comments had hurt him, though, and like a preschooler in need of a nap, he’d retaliated with unjustified venom. Taking out his sour mood on his mate was selfish and unfair. Catching Zasha by the wrist when he tried to walk away, Thane pulled him close and cradled his cheek.

“I’m sorry.” It would rain frogs before he’d allow anyone to talk to his mate the way he had. Fuck, he was a nasty hypocrite. “You’re right. I’m being a dick, and you didn’t deserve that.”

Zasha was just trying to protect him. Logically, he understood this, but it prickled his pride that he was unable to reciprocate. The most