Tarnished Crown (Gravestone Elite #2) by Caitlyn Dare (books like beach read TXT) 📕

“Does it matter?”

“No, but it doesn’t change the fact that he still wouldn’t want you to see.”

“I suppose I should feel disappointed or jealous… but I only feel relief,” I confess.

“He knows he can’t touch you yet. Not in the way he wants.” Channing gives me a dark look. “Go back to the party, Mia.”

“You’re not like them, are you?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Even more complicated now Alex is an Electi? You don’t have to be one of them now he’s here. You and Sasha can—”

“Don’t.” The word rumbles in his chest. “You should go. And Mia?” I nod. “Try to stay out of trouble.”

I go back to the other side of the house to find Sasha, but when I do, she’s making out with some guy, practically dry humping him against the wall. With everyone distracted, I slip out of the party and upstairs. This part of the house is off-limits unless you’re Electi or one of their guests staying here. The silence is deafening, my heart crashing in my chest as I kick off my shoes and scoop them up. My dress feels nonexistent now it’s just me and this big, unforgiving house.

I make it to the first floor and glance down the hall to where Sasha’s room is. But I didn’t come up here to sleep, not yet. Instead, I tiptoe down the hall leading to Cade’s room. But a voice stops me in my tracks.

“What are you doing, little mouse?”

My eyes flutter closed at the sound of Bexley’s voice. “Go away, Bexley,” I sigh.

“No can do, mouse. I live here now, remember.”

I turn slowly to find his eyes hooded. “You’re drunk,” I observe, searching his face for signs that he’s more than just drunk.

He takes a step forward, taking the air with him, and my breath catches in my throat.

“Bexley, don’t do this. Not here. Not now.”

But he doesn’t heed my warning, backing me into one of the doors lining the long hall. Pressing his hand against the wood beside my head, he leans in and inhales. “You smell so fucking good.”

“Don’t.” I tremble. He’s too close. So close I can reach out and touch him, but I don’t. I can’t. I need to keep my wits about me where Bexley is concerned, especially if I’m going to make Cade believe I’m acquiescing.

“You were dancing with him.” His warm, liquor-scented breath fans my face as Bexley reaches out and plucks a curl between his fingers.

“I’m with him.”

He hisses, his expression murderous. “You’re mine, mouse, or have you forgotten? Maybe you need reminding.” He presses his knee between my thighs, grazing my center.

“Don’t,” I rasp.

“Don’t what? Don’t touch what’s mine?”

“You’re drunk.”

“And you’re so fucking beautiful. I can still remember running my hands over your body that night, how you felt choking my cock, the little moans you made… I can remember all of it.”

“You fucked her,” I snarl. “You fucked Brook and you just want me to forg—”

His hand flies out and grabs my throat, pinning me against the door. “I thought it was you. Only ever you.”

“It doesn’t change anything,” I say with resignation.

“Did he touch you again? Did you give it up for him?”

Bexley’s pupils are blown wide open, and I wonder if he’s taken something too.

“No,” I whisper.

“Thank fuck.” His mouth crashes down on mine as he plunges his tongue past my lips. I can barely breathe with the intrusion. The shadows cloak us, but if someone came up here, they would get a front row seat. And that wouldn’t end well for anyone.

“Bexley.” I grip his shirt, pulling away. “We can’t.”

“Like hell we can’t.” He leans around me and turns the door handle. It flies open behind us and we stumble inside.

Bexley doesn’t give me time to think, slamming me against the wall and attacking my mouth again. My body remembers this, remembers how easy it is to get lost in Bexley Easton and his expert kisses. His hands trail a dangerous path over my body, igniting a wildfire inside me.

“Fuck, Mia. I’ve missed you…” His hand slides along my neck and buries deep in my hair.

“We can’t,” I breathe. “We can’t do this.”

“Yes, we can. Just open up for me, mouse. Just—”

“No.” I slam my hand against his chest and push hard. Bexley staggers back, confusion glittering in his eyes.

“What the fuck?” he grunts.

“I can’t do this.”

“Because you’re his now?” He spits the words.

“Because I’m trying to figure out a way to survive this nightmare, and if Cade thinks we’re still…” I swallow the words. “I’m going to find a way out of this, Bexley. So I need for you to stop.”

I move to the door, but he snags my hand. “You can’t go against him, Mia. It isn’t safe… it isn’t—”

My chin lifts slightly, and I look him right in the eyes as I say, “Try and stop me.”

The house is quiet when I slip out of bed. Sasha never made it back to her room. She’s probably in another one of the guest rooms with her friend from last night.

I pull a Gravestone U hoodie over my tank top and shorts and make my way downstairs. Mulligan is already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. “Ah, good morning, Miss Thompson,” he says. “Coffee?”

“Please.” I perch at the breakfast counter on one of the stools. All evidence from the night before is gone, and I wonder what time the housekeeper starts her shift.

“Here you go.” He slides a mug across the counter to me.

“Thank you.” I add sugar and creamer, stirring it together. “Am I the first one up?”

“Mr. Rexford is out jogging, but it’ll be a while until the rest surface.”

“Channing?”

He nods, and I’m hardly surprised. Alex was out of it last night.

“I’m going to take this up to my room,” I say. “Thanks again.”

“Breakfast will be served at nine.”

“Thanks, Mulligan.” I climb off the stool and grab the coffee mug. It’s still early, a little past seven-thirty. If Mulligan is right, I have time.

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