Starved For Love by Annie Nicholas Read Free Book Online

yourself?”
    I cleared my throat. “None.”
    “Then I guess I’m forced to look the other way for tonight.” His eyes narrowed as they met my gaze. “Don’t make a habit of it. The house is for family, not feeding.” He then waved at Hoel. “I’m going to take a moment to discuss this with my wives. Pia will keep you company.” He closed the door behind him as he left us alone in the study.
    The fire popped, sending a spark onto the carpet. I jumped at the noise, then raced over, stomping on the red ember. “The wood mustn’t be cured enough.” I toed the small burned spot, making sure it was extinguished.
    What the hell was I doing? My father pretty much gave me permission to have sex with Hoel in the study, to feed from him. I should be turning on the smolder, not playing fireman. I’d never had sex in the house before. It was like being given permission to eat pizza in the living room for the first time. Exciting, yet I didn’t want to make a mess so I’d be allowed do it again.
    Hoel finished his drink and rose from the chair. “If your father gives his consent, Valerio instructed me to extend an invitation to dinner tonight. Terms to your courtship can be discussed then.”
    “Okay.” I licked my lips and approached. “I have a bit of a problem though.” The light scent of Hoel’s cologne reached my nose. The spice mixed in with his natural musk. I closed my eyes and savored it and leaned closer.
    “Ms. Blyton?”
    I opened my eyes and stifled a small laugh.
    Hoel was pressed up against his chair where I’d cornered him, his eyes wide. “You’re in need?”
    “Unfortunately. It’s Valerio’s fault and I have no one to feed from. All my usual suitors are unavailable.” I grabbed his tie and tried to reel him in. My need was now in control. Hoel wouldn’t leave this room unmolested.
    “My contract with Val states I’m off-limits, Ms. Blyton.”
    “To all succubi?”
    “No, Val’s wives.” He extricated his tie from my fingers. A mistake. Lust bloomed and the muscles low in my abdomen clenched.
    I moaned and pressed against him. “If you haven’t noticed, I don’t bear his wedding mark on my skin.” This was bad. He’d have me begging soon. “Hoel, I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t desperate.” I wet my dry lips with the tip of my tongue.
    “I don’t remember being asked.” His gaze focused on my mouth. “What about Zur-Sin? I’m told he’s one of your suitors. I can’t imagine him turning you down.”
    Dropping my head forward, I leaned it against Hoel’s chest. “I fed from him last night and it wasn’t his turn. He did me a favor and I had to pay a price. If you were in my shoes, would you ask him again?”
    Hoel lifted my chin and ran his thumb over my lips. “You shouldn’t have to exchange favors, Pia. Sin should be grateful for your attention. I, on the other hand, work for Val. I doubt he’d be fine with me fucking you before he does. I’d like to keep my job.” He turned me around and set me on the chair. “I can take you some place. A favorite bar, maybe?”
    I gripped the armrests, my nails digging into the wood. I’d rather they be scratching down Hoel’s back. Shit. Focus. He was right. My family needed this marriage and screwing Val’s personal assistant before the first date would be bad manners. I’d fought the need before. I might, kinda, be able to do it again. But the last time I didn’t have a hot blond god standing inches from my body.
    “Move away. Give me room to breathe.” I leaned my head against the back of my chair.
    “There must be a place you hunt?”
    “I’m not like the others. I—I don’t like being with strangers.” A blush burned my cheeks and I closed my eyes. “I have trust issues. Distract me, Hoel.”
    “How?”
    I could hear him pacing the room. He received points for not abandoning me. Placed in a hard position, he was handling it well. “What are you?”
    The pacing stopped. “That’s not any of your