Heaven and Hell (Beautiful Beings, #2) Read Free Page B

captivated by his beauty. His lips were full, more sensual than ever. I fought to remain strong, but my breathing came in short sharp huffs, betraying the full degree of desire I felt for him.
    He leaned in closer, his heated breath brushing my cheek.  His lips parted, hungrily aiming to take a hold of mine.
    With willpower that surprised me, I turned away from his oncoming kiss, only to hear an amused little sigh spill through his pouty lips.
    “So there’s really no way for a guy to surprise you and get a kiss.”
    “Not without getting pummeled.” This time my voice betrayed me, coming out in an odd croak that contradicted my words.
    Moore’s lips curved into a devilishly wicked grin as he leaned closer still.  “I wouldn’t mind getting pummeled by you so long as we can end up this close.”  He brushed his nose along mine.  “So exquisitely and excruciatingly close.”
    I closed my eyes, trying to blot out the intense and overwhelming desire to kiss him.  Despite the open space and the few students who still lingered, I wanted nothing more than to make out with him, to hold him passionately and never let go.
    “Why can’t I shake the need to be close to you,” I muttered through labored breaths.  In the instant the words were spoken I knew the answer.  He was the son of a succubus and a human; he’d inherited the great allure of darkness with the irresistible appeal of sexuality.
    It was a dangerous combination.
    “You can have any girl you want,” I mumbled, more to myself than he.  But as the true urgency of the situation sunk in, as I realized how angry I still was at him, I repeated my words with conviction and pushed him off me.  “Just stay away from me, Moore Hatchett.”
    I stomped away, inhaling the cool air in the hopes of ridding me of the warmth of his touch.  I heard his footsteps behind me, hesitant at first, then with determination.
    “Lux.” He grabbed my arm to stop me, but released me the moment he caught my unwavering glare.  He simply walked beside me.  “I know what I did was unforgivable, but you have to understand, it’s a side of me I can’t control.”
    I arrived at my class, the door already shut.  A quick glance in the tiny window and I could see students milling about, chatting quietly, and practicing their Français . Class hadn’t yet begun. I grabbed the doorknob, intent on making it in time and escaping Moore, but he hurried to cover my hand with his, stopping me from going in.
    “I’m already going to be late as it is, Moore.”
    “I need you to forgive me.  I need to know you understand.”
    “You’ll well beyond forgivable.  Thanks to you, two lives have been ruined.  Brax is off in some boarding school in England and Asher is sitting in some jail cell for something your sister did.  I’ll never forget the horrible images of that night, Moore, but the fact that you continue to defend Shayne, the fact that you won’t stand up and clear Asher’s name, that is what makes this so unforgivable.”
    His fingers played on the back of my hand while his gaze fell to the floor.  “She’s my sister, Lux.  I can’t.”
    “Right,” I snapped and pulled my hand free.  “And I can’t forget what you both did.  I should have slain you long ago.  I should slay you, right here, right now.”
    “I know.” He met my harsh glare with the first hint of redemption I’d seen in his eyes.  “But you didn’t and you won’t, and that is making me a better person.  Somewhere deep inside, I know you believe in me.  Knowing that keeps me fighting the dark.”
    I turned away from his gaze, torn by too many painful emotions.
    “I need you, Lux.”  His voice was a gentle whisper, filled with affection and hope.  “We both know the chemistry we share; it’s undeniable, but we also connect on a more profound level.”
    When I didn’t look at him, he sighed, a heartbreaking sound that had me wincing.
    “Give me a chance.  Let me prove to you the