Death's Mantle: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Revelations Book 1) by J.A. Cipriano Page B

react to that…”
    “I think it would be better if we went over there to make sure she’s okay. If you want, I’ll wait in the car while you go check on her,” Malcom replied, eyes pleading.
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea for you to come. You need to stay away from her. I can go by myself.” Ian exhaled. “As much as I hate to say it, you need to stop with her, Malcom. I never said anything before because I liked having friends that, you know, hung out together, but hear me when I say this: She’s bad news.” Before Malcom could respond, Ian held up his hand and pushed down a sudden surge of guilt. “She cheated on you how many times? I don’t want you to actually tell me. I just want you to realize you’re better off without her.”
    “I’m coming. It will be fine,” Malcom said, words clipped and angry as he jerked the door open. “I’m going there with or without you, so you may as well pretend you’re my friend and take me with you.” His face softened and his eyes became sort of pleading.
    “Fine,” Ian said as they stepped outside and approached Ian’s Honda. Ian opened his car door and got in. “Why do I always drive? What happened to your car, anyway?”
    “It stopped running.” Malcom looked away as he got in and buckled his seat belt, and for a second, Ian almost thought he was embarrassed.
    “Oh, what’s wrong with it?” Ian inquired innocently as Malcom leaned his head against the window and stared out into the parking lot.
    “Out of gas.”
     

Kim 01:01
    “Caden, stop.” Kim shoved his hand off her breast again. “I have a couple things to do first.”
    He looked at her and smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, I wouldn’t want you to do anything you wouldn’t want to do.”
    “I’ve seen that look before... You just want to have sex. It doesn’t really matter what I want, does it?” Kim asked, sliding away from him across the couch. “You don’t care at all.”
    “That’s not true at all. I do care about you. I just know you want it too…” Caden leaned in, one arm sneaking around her waist and pulling her toward him as he kissed her neck, sending tingles racing across her flesh.
    Kim tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “Can’t you keep your hands off me for five seconds?” she murmured, breath huskier than she’d have liked as he nibbled on her ear.
    “You’re just so beautiful. I can’t help it.” His words were hot on her skin as he spoke, and she shivered.
    “Well, you should learn to control yourself,” Kim whispered as his fingers trailed along her thigh in slow circles, threatening to turn her resolve into jelly.
    “Why is that?” he breathed, fingertips edging under the hem of her black skirt.
    “Because…”
    “Because why?” he asked as his lips trailed down her neck and a shiver threatened to overwhelm her.
    “Caden…” She swallowed, trying to force her words out of her mouth. It was so difficult, she nearly failed. “I just don’t want to go so fast. I’m not that kind of girl…”
    “It’s okay, Kim,” he replied, his fingers drifting up even farther. “We can stop whenever you want.”
    “Stop,” she whispered as his fingers inched up. She closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath, trying to slow her speeding heart and regain control. His fingertips brushed across the edge of her panties, and an electric shock went through her. If she didn’t end this now… she wasn’t going to be able to stop…
    Her eyes shot open, and she looked into his smiling face as he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers as his free hand slipped up, gently pushing her backward onto the couch. As her back touched the soft green fabric, she reached out and pressed her hand against his chest. “Please. Not like this…”
    Caden groaned and sat back so he was on his knees, looming over her prone body. He leaned his head back and stared up at the ceiling. “I don’t see what the big deal is,”