“You’re such an ass. Has…anyone ever told you that?”He flashed a genuinely amused smile. “Oh, Kitten, every single day of my blessed life.”

“Kitten…” “Hmm?” I fisted the covers. “Just making sure you’re still with me.” He kissed the side of my leg, right above my knee. “Don’t want you falling asleep or anything.” Like sleep was possible. Ever.”

“He smiled at me, as innocent as an angel. "I will sit her all day and night. I'll camp out on your porch. and i won't leave. we have all week, Kitten. either get it over with tomorrow and be done with me, or I'll be right here until you agree. you won't be able to leave your house." I gaped at him. "You can't be serious." "Oh, I am.”

“In your dreams, Kitten." He smirked. "Oh wait, I'm already starring in those, aren't I?"I rolled my eyes."Nightmares, Daemon. Nightmares.”

“You are a terrible liar. You do want this. Just as badly as I do.”My mouth opened, but no words came out. “You want this as badly as you want to go to ALA this winter.”Now my jaw was on the floor. “You don’t even know what ALA is!”“American Library Association midwinter event,” he said, grinning proudly. “Saw you obsessing over it on your blog before you got sick. I’m pretty sure you said you’d give up your firstborn child to go.”Yeah, I kind of did say that.Daemon eyes flashed. “Anyway, back to the whole you wanting me part.”I shook my head, dumbfounded.“You do want me.”Taking a deep breath, I struggled with my temper… and my amusement. “You are way too confident.”“I’m confident enough to wager a bet.”“You can’t be serious.”He grinned. “I bet that by New Year’s Day, you will have admitted that you’re madly, deeply, and irrevocably—”“Wow. Want to throw another adverb out there?” My cheeks were burning.“How about irresistibly?”I rolled my eyes and muttered, “I’m surprised you know what an adverb is.”“Stop distracting me, Kitten. Back to my bet—by New Year’s Day, you’ll have admitted that you’re madly, deeply, irrevocably, and irresistibly in love with me.”Stunned, I choked on my laugh.“And that you dream about me.” He released my arm and folded his, cocking an eyebrow. “I bet you’ll even admit that. Probably even show me your notebook with my name circled in hearts—”“Oh, for the love of God…”Daemon winked. “It’s on.”

“Kitten,” he growled roughly.I kissed him softly, sliding my hands into his silky locks, letting the pieces slide through my fingers. I tasted in him my own rising desire, my own need and heartache. Thrilling. Frightening. I pulled back.“Kitten,” he said again, voice strained. “You don’t get to do that and then stop. That’s not how it works.”I stared at him, my breath stalling in my lungs.“Not when you’re mine.” Daemon backed us up and slid down the wall, pulling me on his lap so I was straddling him. “And you’re mine.”

“Thanks,” I muttered and added under my breath, “Douchebag.”He laughed, deep and throaty. “Now that’s not very ladylike, Kittycat.”I whipped around. “Don’t ever call me that,” I snapped.“It’s better than calling someone a douchebag, isn’t it?” He pushed out the door. “This has been a stimulating visit. I’ll cherish it for a long time to come.”Okay. That was it. “You know, you’re right. How wrong of me to call you a douchebag. Because a douchebag is too nice of a word for you,” I said, smiling sweetly. “You’re a dickhead.”“A dickhead?” he repeated. “How charming.”I flipped him off.”