His eyes scrutinized her, and his answer, when it came, emerged slowly. “No. I most definitely don’t think of you as a sister anymore.” Her heart raced as she waited for him to say something more on the subject, but instead, he said, “Truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“Do you love the cat?”
Blinking at the blunt question, she didn’t immediately reply. Honesty meant she couldn’t avoid it, even if she knew he wouldn’t like the answer. “I’m pretty sure I do.” A blank mask dropped over his face, but she could see the tension in his body.
“Are you going to let him claim you?”
“My turn to ask a question,” she said, stalling him. “Truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“Are you here just to protect me?”
“No.”
He didn’t elaborate and she glared at him. The jerk just grinned. “I love payback. My turn. Truth or dare?”
Having heard the question already, she avoided it. “Dare.”
His brows shot up. “Aw, so that’s how you’re going to play, hmmm? Chicken. Okay then, I dare you to tell Naomi she’s fat.”
Francine snorted. “I already did that this morning when you were in the bathroom. She then told me I looked like a scraggly refugee. Come on, you can do better than that.”
“Such a smart ass. You want something harder then? Fine, I dare you to kiss me.”
“Seriously? Piece of cake, although, to spare my back, do you mind bending over so I can reach you?”
Chagrin flashed on his face and she almost laughed as he leaned over, his face hovering in front of hers. “If you want to change your mind it’s-”
Plastering her mouth against his shut him up, and this time, her mind clear, her body rested, she could say without a shadow of a doubt he felt just as good as she recalled. Slanting her mouth over his, she nibbled the flesh, enjoying how his heart sped up and his breathing got more and more ragged. He pulled away first, swallowing hard, his eyes alight with passion, but he controlled himself, if with difficulty, the cords in his neck standing out. A quick glimpse down showed his hands clenched into fists. He still insisted on staying in control, it seemed. What a shame. She wondered how far she’d have to push him before he finally caved.
Her voice husky, she said, “My turn, truth or dare?”
He licked his lips, and a surge of lust roared through her as she realized how much she wanted that tongue-in her mouth, on her body, in her pussy. But Mitchell wasn’t Alejandro. He required more coaxing.
“Dare?” He spoke the word it as if worried, and with good reason.
Tossing him a wicked grin, she pointed to her groin clad in track pants. His forehead wrinkled with incomprehension and she smiled wider.
“I want you to put your mouth on my crotch and blow.”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“So I’ve been told. What’s wrong? Are you turning down a dare? Pussy. Jag would do it in a heartbeat.”
“But someone could come in. And you’re hurt. And…”
She rolled her eyes. “I am really starting to think the rumors of you in the sack were false. I mean-Oh!”
The startled sigh escaped her as Mitchell placed his face between her thighs, his mouth against her sex. He blew and even filtered through her track pants, she felt the heat. And he didn’t do it just once. No, he kept his mouth pressed on her, breathing at her, and even through the fabric, it aroused her. Melted her into a puddle of aching desire. And she craved more.
Shudders wracked her and a low moan vibrated through her, followed by another when he worked his lips against the fabric, tugging at her. Her fingers gripped his hair, and she ignored the twinge of discomfort in her wound as she rocked her hips against his face.
“Phone for you… Hey, pervert, that’s my bed you’re misbehaving in,” Naomi screeched at her brother.
As if scalded, he rolled off the bed, the passion on his face warring with his red-cheeked embarrassment. As usual, he got mad and blamed someone else.
Pointing a finger at Francine, he stammered, “She made me do it. She dared me. Yell at her.”
Naomi grinned at her. “Truth or dare?”
“Of course. Idiot thought he could beat me at it.”
They both snickered while Mitchell scowled at them. “Did you want us for something other than causing trouble?” he growled.
“Oh yeah, phone call for Francine.” Naomi waddled to the bed and handed over the cell phone. “It’s Alejandro. Or should I say Jag, which I must say, is the coolest nickname ever. Javier won’t admit it, but he’s soooo jealous.”
“Am not,” Javier hollered from the hall.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can come up with another kitty name for you, like Sylvester or Tom,” she yelled back, grinning. “Apparently, I’m not allowed to call him God in public, although he has no problem with it when we’re alone.”
Ethan lumbered in shaking his head, and swept his mate into his arms. “I apologize for her wayward tongue. The pregnancy hormones have made her crazier than she already was.”
“Oh, teddy bear!” she snarled.
“Yes my delicate flower?” he said, placidly carrying her out.
“Don’t you flower me. I resent being called crazy. I prefer straightforward.”
Francine giggled. She loved seeing Naomi so relaxed with her men.
“Alejandro! Are you okay?”
“Hey, baby. Miss me?”
“More than you deserve.” She smiled as she said it, glad he’d called.
Mitchell crawled back on the bed. “Is that the cat? Ask him if he caught the hunter.”
“Tell the dog, not yet.”
“He heard you. Now, you didn’t answer me, are you okay? When are you coming back?” It eased something in her to hear his voice, to know he’d not forgotten her.
“I’m fine if lonely and horny. The hunter seems headed back to my hometown so I’ve been following him. I’m hoping to corner him tonight, which means I should be back tomorrow sometime, the day after at the latest. What about you, though? How’s your back?”
“Healing. They won’t let me do anything,” she grumbled.
“Ahh, poor baby. I’ll try and get back soon so I can find ways to keep you
“Pig,” she said softly.
He laughed. “I miss you too. How are things with the dog?”
“They’re going.”
“I’ve got to say I’m surprised Mitchell hasn’t used my absence to make his big move.”
Peering over at Mitchell, who pretended not listen, she said, “We’re making progress.”
“In other words, he’s dragging his heels instead of seducing you. Idiot. Better get him to hurry up because once I get back, you probably won’t be allowed up for air for at least a day or so.” That made Mitchell growl and leave the bed. Actually, he left the room entirely, his back a rigid board.
She sighed.
“I take it he left?”
“Of course he did. Progress doesn’t mean he’s ready to admit he has feelings for me even if every time you’re mentioned he turns absolutely green.”
“Has he at least kissed you yet?”
Francine blushed, tongue tied at the question.
