Assassin's Mate (Supernaturally Shipwrecked Book 1) by Jami Brumfield Page A

wanted to curl up in the man’s lap and purr.
    Slowly, he moved his hand from her lips, but kept his other hand on her waist, fingernails digging softly into her flesh holding her against the wall, and keeping her from fleeing even if she wanted to, which was the farthest thing from her thoughts in that minute.
    “Why are you following me?” The snarl in his voice was far from scary, more sexy and primal.
    Gods, Scarlett. Pull it together , she chastised herself silently. “I saw you backstage and was curious,” she lied.
    “So you put yourself at risk out of curiosity?” He sounded irritated with her. Why? He was the one doing suspicious things.
    She shrugged. “You know what they say, ‘curiosity kills the cat’.”
    Uncomfortable silence spread between them as he stared into her eyes, like he could see into her soul and read her thoughts. Finally he said, “I suppose you’re going to tell me you’re a cat shifter.”
    His grip on her waist eased up, and she felt sad at the loss of pressure from his hand. She never liked the bad boy types, probably because her ex-fiancé was the worst of the devils, but something about this man made her ignite. “I’ll share what I am if you’ll reciprocate.”
    A tiny tick started in his cheek, just below his dimple, and his mossy green eyes narrowed on her with distrust. “Panther.”
    “Tiger,” she replied, thankful he gave in enough to share his alter ego with her. “What are you doing down here?  It’s restricted.” She whispered loudly.
    He readjusted the strap to the shoulder bag she just realized he was carrying. The action caused a lock of his black hair to fall into his eyes. She resisted the urge to reach up and brush it back. It had been too long since she’d found comfort in a man’s arms. It was the only way she could describe the feelings whirling around her body like a tornado.
    “Do you make a habit of asking strangers questions that could get you killed?”
    The bluntness of his words were like a kick to the gut. The man had already threatened to break her neck and now he was implying her actions could get her killed? She’d seen danger all her life, her home was virtually a warzone. It was why she couldn’t go back. She couldn’t lose this job because far worse hazards waited for her there.
    “If threatening a girl is your usual pick…” her words were cut off when his lips pressed against hers. At first, she denied his advance, but the slide of his tongue along her lips tempered any resistance, and she opened up to him and the pleasures he was offering. He didn’t hesitate to deepen the kiss. His grip on her waist tightened, and his other hand eased into the red curls at the nape of her neck forcing her head back allowing him more control.
    She’d never been kissed by a handsome stranger before, and she intended to enjoy the moment. His tongue took authority and rolled over hers like an ocean wave driving her desire up a notch, stealing her breath away. Tension tightened in her middle and grew needy as his hot, ready body pressed her harder against the cold metal wall of the ship. They began the primal dance pressing their bodies together at the center and grinding to a silent rhythm that made them want more.
    Her leg rose of its own accord and wrapped around his waist pulling him harder against her as he masterfully thrust his hardness against her. His fingers on her waist moved to her thigh and she felt a pleasurable sting as his fingernails bit slightly into her flesh. Desire and want rose in her and threatened to send her soaring into the sky like one of the jumps in her dance.
    “What are you two doing in here?” The harsh tone of a security guard hissed at them, washing over Scarlett like a cold shower.
    The bastard kissed me to keep from getting caught ! They broke from the kiss, both short of breath, staring oddly into each other’s eyes. A connection was made, no doubt. What that connection was she couldn’t say with her