Page 41 of near

Her breath catches, and she places a hand on my chest. Not to push me away but to steady herself.

“Esther’s assumptions are her own. I made it very clear to her. My interests lie elsewhere. With you.”

“Elijah...” My name on her lips sends a spark through me. No one says my name like she does.

I brush my thumb along her cheek. “You want this. Us.” I pause, searching her eyes. “Unless I’m mistaken?”

No nod, no shaking her head.

“I already called you my wife, little gem. I thought I made my intentions very clear, but you didn’t come and even blocked my number. Needless to say, I’m still a bit hurt about that.”

“It was a one-night stand.”

Why doesn’t she give in? I know she wants to.

“We can keep dancing around this thing between us, or you can admit you want me as much as I want you.”

“I don’t want you.”

Does she think I can’t see through her? Please, someone hold me back, or I will fuck that stubbornness out of her.

“Your eyes and your body tell a different story.”

“Maybe you’re reading them wrong.”

“Or maybe you’re scared of what you might find if you stop lying to yourself.”

No retort. I lean in closer, my nose grazing hers, our breaths mingling. Her lips part in anticipation.

“One chance,” I say. “That’s all I’m asking.”

I wait, giving her the option to pull away. But she doesn’t. Instead, her eyes flutter closed, and my lips find hers, soft and warm.

The kiss deepens instantly, weeks of tension pouring out. She sighs into my mouth as my tongue slips past her lips to caress hers. I could get drunk on her taste.

Her arms wrap around my neck, eliminating any remaining space between us, and my hands grab her ass, pulling her against me. She melts into me, every line of her body fitting to mine. Like she’s made for me.

We break apart, breathless. She falls back onto the stool, her cheeks flushed and lips swollen from my kiss.

She’s never looked more beautiful.

The waiting is over. I can’t resist her any longer. I’ve watched her from afar, my desire for her growing with each passing day. The way she moves, the way she laughs, the way she looks at me. It’s all driving me insane.

“I’ve watched you long enough. Dating other men when I know you want something else,” I say.

“And what is it you think I want?” She tries so hard, feigning indifference and trying to sound defiant, but the tremor in her voice betrays her.

Towering over her, I grip the side of the stool with one hand while my other hand drifts up her bare leg through the tantalizing slit of her dress. Her breathing gets uneven as I lean down to kiss her neck.

“Elijah.” She whimpers when I bite down gently.

Fuck, I’m hard.

I release her skin from my teeth, breathing in her scent. “Yes, my precious gem?”

Her eyes are glazed with want as my fingers trace circles over her skin. I can see the struggle, her desperation to beg me for more, warring with her pride. My grip on the stool tightens as I fight for control over my own raging need.

“Do you want me?” I brush my lips against her ear.

---