“It’s simpler to get in when you know somebody, but, yes, pretty much every hotel has a safe spot, whether the owners know it or not.” He gestured around them. “The Luxor has the most shifter-friendly setup. It’s owned by the head of the Northern American tigers, and she’s made sure to provide lots of comforts for the creatures who come to play. But I like the Bellagio the best.”
He led them through the maze of the casino floor, keeping to scantily occupied areas, a kindness for which Lillie was grateful. It took less time than she’d imagined to gather her winnings and tuck the cheque safely into her wallet. “Thank you for helping me.”
He squeezed her fingers, catching her gaze and winking as they left the cashier box and headed farther into the hotel. “You’ll find I’m a very helpful fellow. I’m good at all sorts of things.”
Her imagination went off, and this time there didn’t seem to be any reining it in. “You’re not here with anyone, are you?”
Jim shook his head. “Well, not with any ladies, if that’s what you’re asking. My friend Damon is somewhere around, but you don’t need to meet him.”
The growly tone he used on the last statement sent a shiver up her spine. “What’s wrong with him?” she whispered.
The big bear slowed, pulling her toward him and tucking her against an empty section of wall. He caught her fingers in his hand, lifting her knuckles to his mouth. His lips pressed briefly to her skin, and a lovely shot of adrenaline raced along her arm until it zapped her in the heart.
If her heart had been located directly between her legs.
“Damon is a scalawag. Terrible heartbreaker. I, on the other hand, am the perfect gentleman.
She knew a line when being fed it. A smile twisted her lips. “Of course you are. I could sense that.”
“Before or after you decided to run away from me?”
Interesting position she’d gotten herself into. Her back to the wall, her tall stranger leaning an arm on either side of her body as he locked her in place. A slight edge of fear still trembled, but he’d proved himself trustworthy enough that she smoothed her hands up his shirt, not bothering to answer his question with words.
“You’re not planning to run away anymore.”
The human side of her didn’t plan on it, but her shy other self could be an issue. “You’re a grizzly,” she whispered.
He stared for a long moment, his dark brown eyes flashing with amusement. “You have a problem with my bear?
Lillie shook her head. “Not me, but he might have to do some sweet-talking to convince my bear not to freak out.”
“You have no problem with me, though.” He played with her hair, twisting a lock around his finger.
“Nope. I already said I don’t mind some mussing up.” Where had that bold statement come from? It was true, but still…
His cocky smile widened. “I think I’ll call you Trouble.”
“What? You’re not going to call me red or carrots or something equally annoying?”
“Because of your hair? Hell, no, the colour is gorgeous.” He wouldn’t stop playing with it, his gaze fixed on his fingers as he tugged again. “I want something special to call you when I wrap this in my fists and make you scream in pleasure.”
Well now.
She wanted to lift a hand and fan her face after that, but instead she caught the front lapels of his jacket and held on tight. “Is the screaming planned for anytime soon? Because I totally say yes, but I need some supper first. I would hate to pass out for the wrong reason.”
He stroked her cheek. “Damn, I love being a bear.”
She giggled, her amusement impossible to contain. “For any particular reason? I mean, I like my bear too, when she isn’t making my life crazy by going loco on people, or wanting to take naps at inconvenient times.”
“I love that I can come right out and tell you I want you.”
True. “Shifters do get to enjoy good, clean fun.”
“Or not so clean, if you do it right.”
She slid her hands up the soft fabric of his suit jacket, loving the slick of it against her skin. She stretched all the way until her fingers were wrapped around his neck, then tugged.
Jim came obediently toward her.
Or maybe she was mistaken, because he stopped an inch shy of their lips meeting, and that was not her intention.
Not. At. All.
“I love being a bear,” he repeated. “Because it means I can see you, know I want to drive you wild all through the night, and I don’t have to play games to get there. But the other thing I love?”
He moved in closer. Closer. A rush of warm air brushed her cheek as he skipped her lips and directed his words toward her ear.
“I love being a bear because I’m a bossy bastard, and being a grizzly pretty much means I get my way.”
A delicious shiver raced up her spine at his dark, growly tone of voice.
“So, if that’s not what turns you on, you should be a good girl. I’ll take you back to your room, and later you can venture out to find a bunny rabbit to play with. Otherwise, I promise to take care of you, but I call the shots.”