Chapter 73

Shirley

I’ve returned home after being out all day. I’ve been trying to come to terms with what happened last night, but I know it was just a moment of weakness caused by Cicy’s influence. However, that doesn’t explain why my powers are weakened, why my scent slipped.

I wish there was a way to gain answers to what’s happening, but there’s no one I can turn to. Not even Jean as I know she’s currently busy with her new mate. For now, I have to cope as best as I can.

Still feeling defeated, I walk up the front door of Keith’s home. I brace myself with every step I take, knowing that the Alpha must be home as I can see his car in the driveway. All I can hope is that our paths don’t cross again tonight.

Reaching the top step, I go to slid my key in the lock, but I pause as I notice the door is already unlocked. That’s strange…normally whoever comes and goes makes sure it’s secure each time, not wanting anyone to somehow sneak in.

Still puzzled, I let myself inside, making sure to lock the door behind me. From there, I make my way down the hall, slowly unraveling my scarf from my neck. Only, a sudden sound has my steps slowing, becoming more cautious as I try to make sense of what I’m hearing.

It sounds like someone is panting and there are objects being harshly moved around. Struck with a little fear, I begin to wonder if someone did manage to break in, but I still continue down the hall as I go to look.

The noises are coming from Keith’s office, his door open and the night clearly alone. Despite my better judgment, I’m drawn to them - bringing me closer. Only, when I reach the open doorway, I don’t find someone ransacking the place. I find Keith.

His back is to me, but he seems distraught as he pulls at his clothes, runs harsh hands through his hair. His breathing is labored and there’s a shine of sweat sitting over his forehead. I can’t help but feel something is wrong.

“Keith,” my voice meets the air, and right away I watch as the man freezes. “Are you okay?”

I step into the room then, always so drawn to him no matter the circumstances. But right now he’s clearly unsettled and I want to know why. Only, as I get closer, Keith makes me stop in my tracks as he finally looks at me.

His eyes…I thought I’d become familiar with every look they wore, but I’ve never seen them like this. They’re wild, the gold darkened to a honey as he takes me in. But the longer he stares, I can see his gaze become lazy, falling down my body as he empties out a breath.

“Shirley,” he says on a sigh, and it’s the most breathtaking way anyone has ever said my name. But it’s because I swear it’s said with desire, want.

Want.

If I didn’t know better, Keith is filled with want. And he wants me.

My throat tightens as I try to swallow the idea, unable to form questions or words. That becomes especially true as Keith begins to walk toward me, and I let him come like a mouse too frightened to run away.

I expect him to stop, to leave space between us. But he doesn’t. Instead, he doesn’t falter as he comes straight over to take my waist into his hands, causing my own palms to go his chest as he pulls me closer.

Yes, Cicy voices as we meet and I feel that same rush of heat find me. But it can’t completely take hold as my concern for Keith remains strong.

“Are you okay?” I ask again, realizing he didn’t answer me the first time I’d asked. But I need him to.

“Amazing,” Keith draws out, and his voice is like the color of his eyes - honey. Everything in me is longing to swim in it, and Cicy approves.

But I’m too focused on the way Keith is gripping my waist - like he’s holding on for dear life. And I realize that the touch of my body may very well be the reason why he’s feeling amazing.

I don’t know where this is all coming from, and it’s becoming hard to care as Keith keeps bringing us closer, as Cicy’s words of encouragement fill my head. And there’s the feel of Keith’s chest underneath my palms, making me long to know what he feels like without the layers of clothes between us.

I know I should pull away, press against his chest to stop these advances. But my body is unwilling to put up the fight - especially as Keith removes the last few inches between us and pulls me flush to his body.

I feel him against me, nearly letting out a gasp as his erection is pressed against my stomach. It brings a tingle right between my legs, awakening my own desire as I can feel every inch of him.

Yes, Cicy chimes in again. And I say the word with her, my eyes fighting to stay open as Keith floods my mind.

“Amazing,” Keith repeats the word, his breath brushing my lips. I’m holding on by a thread, trying not to tremble as I resist the urge to kiss him.

“Keith,” I say, though I meant his name to come out as a question. I need to ask him what’s going on, but now the question doesn’t seem so important.

Especially as he leans in another inch, his lips skimming mine.

“Shirley,” he breathes. I lied before - that was the most beautiful way anyone has said my name.

And it’s also what makes me whimper, breaks me.

I don’t know who leans first, but suddenly Keith’s lips are on mine, kissing me like he wants to devour me. He’s in a frenzy and I keep up with him, becoming just as desperate as my hands go into his hair, pulling the strands.

Keith groans in response, backing me up until I’m pressed into his desk. His hips pin mine down harshly and it’s elating as his erection is firmer against me. But I want it closer.

Our lips meet again and again - needing, wanting, never stopping. I’m a mess of whines and whimpers as Keith’s tongue dances with mine. But when his hand snakes under my sweater and his palm touches my bare skin, I pull back as I moan.

Keith groans in response, his mouth going to my neck next as he peppers me with kisses. He works his way down and then back up, sucking just below my ear so my whole body shudders.

I swear I could come undone just from the feel of his mouth. It feels too good to be true, like I’m floating. But Keith’s breath against my neck is an instant reminder that I’m not.

I don’t know what’s gotten into either of us, but I don’t care. All I care about is Keith’s touch, the way he feels against me.

But above all, I’m lost in the words he now murmurs into my ear.

“I want you.”