The Firebrand by T.M. Smith

Author:T.M. Smith [Smith, T.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 2023-01-12T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Braelyn tossed a flowered Henley on the floor with the other rejected going-home-togs. No to number three. She settled on black leather, skin-tight pants, wriggling into them, hopping around while she yanked on the waistband. When the zipper refused to slide up, she flopped onto the bed and sucked in her stomach.

Success. Now for a top.

Because she couldn’t bend in the breath-sucking leathers, she searched through the scattered piles with difficulty. She chose the sexiest one, a snug red knit halter.

Just right.

Dressed, she rested a hand on her hip while she gazed at her reflection, trying out a few poses. Sassy. Demure. Pouty. No matter what, she looked like a pole dancer. Since the vampire had a thing for sexy strippers, this outfit would work. Punishment.

Let him see what he’ll be missing.

Braelyn slipped into black strappy sandals before she jammed her sneakers into a plastic bag. Everything else she left on the bed or floor.

My goodbye gift. The mess will give him apoplexy.

Childish? Yes.

Rein waited for her in the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand. After a few blinks, he returned to the stove. With the scrambled eggs not too firm and the bacon crisp, he divided them onto two plates, handing one to her.

With a cheery smile brightening her lips, Braelyn went for the direct approach. “You have quite a morning-after glow.”

His lips quirked as he leaned against the counter to eat while Braelyn decided against sitting. The seam of the leather pants might pop. “Shouldn’t that be my line? Eat. Replenish your strength.” Rein shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

As he chewed, she couldn’t help but think about what his mouth had done last night. Heat flushed her cheeks. “Shouldn’t I get a girlfriend award?” She waved a piece of bacon in the air.

“You’re not a girlfriend.”

“Nasty. Are you always this mean in the AM? What should we call me? Bed buddy? Pillow pal?”

“How about problem?”

“Ha. Ha. Not for long.”

Rein grimaced.

Was that a flash of regret in his eyes? No. Acid reflux.

“I’ll bite. Why do you deserve an award?”

“First overnighter. Well, almost-overnighter. Award worthy, right?”

“Gold ribbon.” His gaze fixed on her. “What sent you into a tailspin and had you tossing pottery at me?”

“You.”

“Me? What did I do?”

Braelyn munched on the crisp bacon. “Call me crazy, but I wanted you to ask me to stay.”

“I didn’t send you to the guest room, Brae. That was your idea.”

“I don’t mean for just the night.”

Rein squinted, his forehead creasing. His sometimes-bright blues turned stormy.

Braelyn waited. Nothing. “Do I have to explain everything? Are you that obtuse?” She tasted the scrambled eggs. Hmm. She scooped in another bite. And another. Then she set her fork on her plate. “Okay. Here goes. I know we can’t be together. We’re from two different worlds. We’re two different species. I’m a complication in your well-ordered, neat life. A brain-diseased, short-lived complication.”

“Okay. So … still waiting to hear what I did wrong.”

“You didn’t ask me to stay with you on Scath even though I can’t.

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