I open my eyes. She's gnawing that lip again. Naughty she-wolf. I'd punish her for being a tease, if she were mine.
"Maybe I can do something to help you-" She lowers her eyes in the direction of my cock, flushing. I bite back a laugh. If I had known such an alluring innocent existed, I would have torn apart the world to find her.
"I mean," Sedona continues, "We're obviously attracted to each other-"
The roaring in my ears is the sound of all the blood in my body rushing to my cock. It's so loud I nearly miss her next comment, "We could just, I don't know, fool around." She shrugs and swallows. "It doesn't have to mean anything, beyond tonight."
I'm across the room before I realize my control has snapped. Sedona retreats, her face white at the wolf in my eyes. I stalk her until her back hits the wall and then plant my hands beside her head, caging her. I lean close, careful not to touch, but it's no use. Her sweet scent makes me dizzy.
"Is that what you did with your little humans? Fool around?" My voice comes out a growl.
"No," she breathes. Her pupils are blown.
I curl a lock of her hair around my index finger. "No? You sure, ángel? Because I seriously want to kick the ass of every boy who's ever touched you." I've gone way too far, but I can't seem to dial back the competitive aggression burning just below the surface now.
She shoves at my chest and when I don't move, tries to duck under my arm.
Yeah, I definitely went too far.
"Wait." I catch her and pull her back. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being an asshole."
"Yeah. You are."
I flip her around, hold her against me until she stops struggling. Her scent envelops me, and I know she really is an angel. I'm in heaven. My lips nuzzle her ear. "I'm trying. You see how difficult this is for me..." I rub my cock against her bare rear.
Her breath grows ragged. "I know. I can help with that."
"Thank you, Sedona." Although it pains me, I release her. "But I don't think that's a good idea."
She hides the hurt confusion on her face. "Whatever." She stalks to the bed and sits down, arms crossed over her chest.
"You can't seriously think I don't want you." My goddamn dick bobs in front of me as nodding in agreement.
She gives a shrug.
"No, I mean for me, there's no fooling around. Not with you. Because I wouldn't be satisfied with just one night."
She shakes her head, muttering something about men and overinflated opinions of their stamina.
"One night wouldn't be enough because I'd want more of you. Not sex. Not fooling around. You." I take a deep breath and tell her the truth. "If my wolf was ready to choose a mate, I'd choose a she-wolf like you."
"What?"
"Kind. Intelligent. Educated."
A smile plays over her lips. "You forgot smoking hot."
"Muñeca, I didn't forget."
She laughs and her breasts bounce lightly. My cock is so hard I'm in pain. But I'd give anything to see her laugh again.
I sit next to her, leaving a space between us. My heart stops racing when I get a lungful of her scent. My wolf seems content I'm with my female. Maybe I can do this.
I bump her shoulder with mine. "I changed my mind. Let's fool around."
"Don't make fun of me."
"I'm not. I would never." I search for a peace offering, and remember the mango. "Are you hungry?" Retrieving the fruit, I tear off a piece. She reaches for it and I shake my head. You want to play, doll? Let's see how you handle this game.
I bring the mango to her lips. She holds onto the stiffness in her body for another moment, then leans forward to bite into the ripe yellow flesh. As expected, the fruit dribbles down her chin and neck, dropping onto her chest in sticky rivulets. "Oh my God," she exclaims with her mouth full, hands flying up to catch the juice. She chews, moaning. "This is so good. Mangoes are not this good in the States."
"It's fresh. We have a grove inside the hacienda walls with all kinds of fruit-bearing trees-almond, avocado, lemon, lime, sapote, papaya."
"Mmm." She leans forward and takes another bite. "This is one reason I've always wanted to travel. The food."
"You haven't traveled?" I peel a new section, smiling like a fool as she lets me feed her.
She licks her lips and my vision darkens. The only thing keeping me from claiming her is my satisfaction watching her eat. My wolf is content, for now.
"I always wanted to get out, see the world. My folks won't let me. They're protective."
"With good reason," I say softly and feed her another bite.
"I used to think being named after an Arizona town was a curse. Like I'd never get to leave. Of course, my one trip ended with me here-" She waves a hand at the cell.
"You will get out of here safely, Sedona. You'll get your chance to travel. You have my word."
"Thanks." She swallows and forces a smile. "Until then, I'm just going to pretend I'm stuck at a second-hand resort with an unfortunate dungeon theme. Of course, the food service here is very hands on." She waggles her brows. A joke. Stuck in this hellhole with me, and she's making a joke. She's... incredible.
I can't stop myself from leaning down and kissing the side of her mouth. I pull back immediately, but her taste lingers on my lips, a bit of mango sweetness. "Forgive me, I… you had something." I gesture to her face.
"Like I said," she grins. "Very hands on."