Unlocking Adeline (Skeleton Key) by J.D. Hollyfield, Skeleton Key Page B

below his rib cage.
    And then I kick.
    With all my might.
    Not expecting it, Locke falls backward trying to grab for the bedpost. Failing, he falls right off the bed. I use this time to scramble off the bed, forcing air into my lungs. Holy shit, what did I just almost allow to happen?
    He stands, quickly brushing off dust from his clad pants. “What the hell was that for?” he growls, as I fight my eyes away from the fullness in his pants. He didn’t really want you, Addie. He wanted the key.
    “ Really ? Did you think I would fall for that? Nice try, pal.” I huff, offering him, once again, my high chin. “Next time you want to attempt to seduce me to see what I’m hiding, at least do a good job of it.” I lie. God, am I lying. His hands feel like they are still on me, burning heat into my skin. I don’t make eye contact with him, because I will surely give myself away.
    He takes two powerful steps toward me. I fail, and my eyes finally meet his and, shit, he looks pissed. “So what yer saying is that I wasn’t turning ye on?” he questions, his eyes searing into mine.
    “Pfft, you call that trying to turn a girl on? That’s sad. I suggest you practice before the next time you make another attempt.” I swipe my hair away from my sticky face. Because girls don’t sweat when they are turned on and halfway ravaged.
    “Ye were more than turned on, Adeline, and if ye didn’t just have a freak out, I’m pretty sure ye would have offered me more than just that key back.” Ugh, probably.
    “Ha!” I bellow. “Nice try, but not a chance. News Flash, I don’t like jerks. And you’re the head of that class. I gave in because I felt… felt… sorry for you. That’s it. So don’t mistake my sympathy for attraction.” I end, pretending to pluck at my cuticles. Oops, that’s it. Over poking the bear, no matter what realm it is, never has a good ending. Because he lunges at me.
    “Locke!” I squeal, as I’m lifted off the ground and tossed back onto the bed. My back hits the soft mattress as my head bounces, allowing my hair to fall from its pins.
    “I personally agree with ye. I will definitely try my seduction on someone else. Possibly a peasant girl tonight, who I guarantee will melt under my touch. Who will submit to my every word and offer her whole body for me to take whatever I please. And when I do, I won’t be thinking of ye. So ye are right. I wasn’t into that either. Because all’s I wanted was that key. Now give it to me.”
    His words kinda suck. Okay, big time suck. First, the thought of him getting it on with one of those stupid mean maids causes a swirl of jealousy in my stomach. Not sure why, because I hate this guy. But also because, put our strange situation aside, I would let him touch me in ways I have only dreamt a man would. But he doesn’t want me. I’m just a nuisance to him and that makes me angrier.
    I sit up on my elbows, defiantly. “No can do, asshole.”
    “Ah, yer vulgar mouth does not become ye, Adeline.” He says, from where he’s standing at the foot of the bed.
    “Bite me, the answer is still no.” We stare at one another, a battle until the anger turns into something else. He may be fighting the urge to strangle me, but the way he is staring at my lips says otherwise. He has another urge. Without further notice, he attacks me, climbing on the bed and draping his body over mine. His needy mouth drops down, just a hairsbreadth away from mine. I’m going to fight him if he tries to kiss me again. God, please kiss me. His eyes close and he drops his head as a knock sounds from on the door.
    “Miss, I thought to bring ye some warm nightly towels, Oh!—” Ellie squeals, turning her head. Locke quickly jumps off me, adjusting his attire. “Ellie, it’s fine, I was just leaving,” he grunts, taking his attention away from her and back on me. I’m still sprawled out on the bed when he speaks.
    “May I advise ye to replace the key before sunrise? Christof will