Resisting Maxu (Clecanian #6)

by Victoria Aveline

“Where are you going?” she called after him. “The doctor.” Maxu held up his injured hand without turning to look back at Daunet. “Need to make sure my vaccinations protect me against rabid humans.”

“What are you going to do? Throat-punch every guy who’s a dick to me?” “I’m not unreasonable, female.” His eyes narrowed at her and a stubborn frown darkened his features. “Please, let me know where you’d like me to punch him instead, and I’ll be sure to aim there next time.”

“Put me down.” She wriggled in his hold, but it was of no use. His grip on her thighs and rib cage was unbreakable. “Stop flailing, or I’ll throw you over my shoulder.” “You wouldn’t.” He shot her a dark grin. “Wouldn’t plant your pert ass right next to my face? It’s all I want to do. Just give me a reason.”

Shooting him hadn’t been the healthiest way to deal with her issues, she could admit that—but damn, had it felt good to take control.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed as she stomped over to his table. A few nearby patrons shot looks toward her. Without glancing up, Maxu grinned. “I’m researching the human clitoris.”

“Your pillow.” He grinned, not matching her low voice in the slightest. “From Kitibard.” Her thunderstruck expression held for only a moment before her lip curled. “You kept it, you freak? Why would you… It doesn’t matter. Give it back.” Maxu tipped his head back and forth, making a show of considering her demand. “No. I’ve grown quite fond of it.”

How was she supposed to feel about this? He’d stolen these things—all of which she’d used or touched—and then meticulously set them out. There were a few other flat shelves in the room, but he’d picked the rounded, uneven surface of that window for his stolen trinkets. A spot, she realized, that would be directly visible while lying in bed.

“What do you really want? To have sex? Fine, let’s do it so I can get out of here.” His mouth curled down in pleased surprise and he straightened. “Sounds good to me.” “Wait! No. You’re not serious.” Meg gaped at him. “You’re supposed to turn me down. Like a gentleman.”

Meg had been reaching for the pillow she’d come here to get in the first place, but he snatched it out of her hands. He held it up. “Until I can bury my nose in your cunt anytime I want, this is mine.”

His stare went on for so long that she finally broke, sitting up so she could curl her knees into her chest. “What are you doing?” His brows furrowed angrily, but he didn’t try to stop her. “Searing your body into my mind so I can think of you when I fuck myself later tonight.”

“It’s not religion that’s the problem. Religion is a healing thing, and it’s used by so many people to spread happiness and love. But it’s like anything powerful, I guess. It can be used as a weapon too. My family and many of the people in my small town used it to control others.

“I don’t get why you still call me a bug, though.” Maxu’s face split, and he chuckled, pinching her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You will always be buzzing about my head, vahpti, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Do you know what happens to the animals that have lived with vahpti for years when the insects die?” Meg sat up, bringing her face close to his, and gave him a playful smile. “No. What?” “They go mad.” He flashed his white teeth, eyes softening as they lingered on her mouth. “They grow so used to the sound that when it’s gone, the silence is unbearable. That’s how I would be without you. The world would turn off and I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

“I’m using you, love. Using you for your light and your morality.” His hand skimmed down her bare back. He palmed her ass and sent her a wolfish grin. “I’m using you for your body.” His touch softened. “And your warmth, your smiles, your tears, your mouth.” He added with a soft kiss, “It’s only fair I make up for all my greediness by devoting my life to you. You don’t just make me happy, Meg, you make me alive.”