Page 55 of 4th Degree

Peeking at him through my eyelashes, I try to get a read on him. He hasn’t tried to cross the line I drew after I cut things off between us, to the point that I’ve wondered if he even cared. But with the way he’s looking at me…

I know he does.

A sad smile appears on his face when he catches me looking. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand drops to the side of my neck, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on my skin. “It breaks my heart that you think you don’t deserve good things,” he says softly.

I swallow the whimper that wants to escape. My defenses are crumbling, and every reason I had for not going after what I want is slipping away. Suddenly, all I want is to give in, and to lose myself in Dominic. Without the guilt.

“Tell me what would make you happy,” he whispers. “Tell me how I can prove to you that you deserve it.”

His eyes never leave mine. And even with his arms around me, the honesty and vulnerability heating the space between us, I can see in his face that he doesn’t mean it in a physical way. He just wants to make me happy. In whatever way that means.

So I kiss him.

Because even though we both still have reasons we shouldn’t be together, nothing can contend with the joy that comes from being Dominic’s. Even if only temporarily.

20

SKYLAR

He kisses me back for several seconds, and I soak up the warmth and comfort that comes from being in his embrace. God, I missed this. I missed him.

Any doubts I may have had about this instantly disappear.

But Dominic must feel differently, because he pulls back, just far enough to touch his forehead to mine.

“That’s not what I meant,” he says breathily.

“I know,” I whisper, sliding closer and tightening my arms around his neck. “That’s why I did it.”

Sensing his hesitation, I put some distance between us. Just enough that he can see the truth in my eyes. “I want this, if you do. I know I said I wanted to put space between us, but…you’re right. You make me happy. And I don’t want to fight this anymore.”

His gaze travels over my face, clearly looking for any doubt. When he doesn’t find any, he pulls me in for another kiss.

And this time, he sinks into it.

His arms wrap around my waist, his head tilting to deepen the kiss. The second his tongue touches mine, a whimper slips out, and I try to slide even closer.

Instead, he pulls back again, breathing heavily. “You’re sure?”

I nod, already tugging him back. As soon as our lips connect this time, my hips start to rock. God, I want him so badly.

Seemingly convinced, he rolls me until I’m lying under him on the mat, his lips never leaving mine as his hands start to explore.

But before he can do any more, I push against his chest. “Wait,” I gasp.

He lifts off of me. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s just… I smell like cleaning supplies. I don’t want to get it all over you.”

It only takes him a second to make a decision, and another to lift me into his arms as he stands.

“Where are we going?” I ask, my legs wrapping around his waist as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. My lips land on his neck, pressing kisses along his skin.

I feel the shiver that runs through him, and the way his steps quicken. “Shower,” he grunts.

My lips travel up to his ear. “Good idea,” I hum, nipping his earlobe.

And if there’s any question about Dominic’s level of desperation, it’s answered when he kicks open the locker room door, steps us fully clothed into the shower, and blindly turns the water on as he takes my mouth in a scorching kiss.

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