tabby

them all from the fridge. I didn’t know when Kasim would be home, but since the night sky was pitch-black, I didn’t think it would be long.
Not wanting to take the time to bake the potatoes in the oven, I removed the foil, pierced their skins, and placed them in the microwave. The kitchenette came with an indoor grill, which was perfect for the steaks. Flipping on the fan, I fired up the grill. As soon as the heat coming off it was hot enough, I threw on both steaks, revelling in the smell of the cooking meat.
“Mmmm. That smells really good.” Two hands on my hips kept me from jumping as Kasim’s voice floated into my ears. He sniffed, and I stiffened. There was no way he wouldn’t scent the sex or that it had been with his teammates. “But not as good as you,” he continued without missing a beat. He licked a path up my neck to that little spot behind my ear that always made me weak at the knees and triggered a purr.
As much as I wanted to continue, the smell of the nearly done steaks had my mouth watering. The microwave beeped, and Kasim released me. “I’ll grab the potatoes, and I’m really hoping that one of those steaks is for me.”
“It is,” I said with a smile as I took the steaks off the grill and plated them. Kasim added the potatoes and carried the plates to the table while I grabbed the potato fixings. “I’m surprised the other two are still asleep.”
“Don’t worry about them. Even though we all tend to be on the nocturnal side, as bears, they often sleep long hours, and with the approaching winter, they need more.” He held out my chair for me and pushed it in after I sat.
With both our stomachs growling loud enough to wake sleeping bears, but not ones heading into winter, we spent the next few minutes in silence as we consumed the steak and potatoes. I felt bad for not cooking any vegetables, but Kasim shushed me the moment I commented on it. “This is fabulous. Besides, Arin will make sure we get enough vegetables and fruits tomorrow with his morning, afternoon, and if he can force it, evening smoothies.”
And even though I’d only been with them consistently for half a week, I knew he spoke truth, having drunk more smoothies during that time than I had in the past year.
That was the only thing we spoke about until I was over halfway through my steak and Kasim was finished. With the hunger in my stomach mostly sated and far too much steak left, I offered part of it to him.
“You eat, Tabitha. I’m good.”
“Liar.” I gave him a little smile that I hoped was on the flirtatious side. “You’re a big boy and need more meat.” I took the opportunity to slide my bare foot up his lower leg.
His eyes darkened, and his body tensed, transforming from the semi-relaxed man who sat across from me for most of the meal to a man/predator on the prowl. A shiver worked its way up my spine, but instead of fear, it was eager anticipation. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “I have all the meat I need.” His voice dropped into a low purr. “But I can always use more pussy.”
I licked my lips.
He groaned.
And instead of reacting, I pulled out every ounce of calmness I could muster, stuck the fork into the steak, and cut off another piece. Holding it out over the table in front of his mouth, I said, “But I wouldn’t want my dark knight to fade away.”
His mouth engulfed the offering I held out to him, but his gaze held me hostage. Unable to look away, I waited. My breathing picked up pace to match the beats of my heart.
When he pulled his mouth off the fork, taking the steak with him, I dropped the fork. “Enough. We can share the rest later.”
I nodded but still didn’t move, even though he stood. Without a wasted movement, he rounded the table, snatched me from the chair, and carried me to his bedroom. This time I prayed that sleep wasn’t all that was on the agenda.
The moment his door shut behind him, his lips were on mine, tasting, nipping, sucking. Never staying in one place long enough for me to do more than to try and snag my own kisses in between.
“Enough,” I growled, though it wasn’t nearly as powerful as his. Both his eyebrows rose, and the corner of his lips formed a smirk. I drove my hands over the shaved sides of his head until I reached a section of his hair, which was long enough to grip. “No more teasing.”
“As you wish.” Despite my strong hold on him, I didn’t control a single thing. I was just along for the ride... and I didn’t mind. His tongue pushed against my lips, and I threw up the white flag, yielding to him without a fight. He poked and prodded, going from zero to sixty in under six seconds, and my need for him still wasn’t matched.
I tightened my grip, pulling on his hair, yanking his head to where I wanted it, to where I could attack his neck. Using my tongue, I licked a path under his chin while my nails raked down the back of his head. He bucked under the dual sensation of pain with the softness of my mouth. The feel of his hardness pushing against me made me want more, but too many clothes were in our way.
“Shirt.” His kissing played havoc with my brain, reducing me to a single syllable. To get my point across, I yanked at the shoulder portion of his long-sleeved tee.
That, he understood.
He slid me down his body, teasing me with the feel of him despite my plea that I didn’t want to be teased. I allowed it though, since I knew I would soon