Page 8 of Savage Romance
I’m in so much trouble.
His right hand cradled the back of her head, his left entwined their fingers.
Why have I convinced myself marrying him would help my case?
His fingers at the back of her neck stroked the exposed skin above her dress. Caught off-guard by the playful and sweet gesture, Zoe let go of some of her tension. Without a conscious thought, her free hand rose to cup Ben’s shoulder.
This marriage was one big bad lie, but as she stared up into his face, Zoe almost wished she hadn’t come to Kansas City to expose him and his friends, because—despite her determination not to—she liked him.
Feeling too uptight, Zoe licked her lips, took in a deep breath, and let it out to the count of eight.
Ben drew her closer, and her body molded to his. His face drew nearer, and Zoe prepared for the kiss. When he was a few inches away, she opened her mouth slightly and pursed her lips into a loose pucker.
Zoe’s eyes drifted closed just before their lips locked. His mouth on hers was firm and she melted into the kiss. Her lips parted under the pressure, but he didn’t invade her mouth with his tongue. Almost as soon as the kiss started it was over, and Ben slowly moved his head back a little. She opened her eyes and glanced into bright turquoise irises.
Before she could speak, Ben sneaked in a cute little peck to her closed mouth, as if to tell her he liked the kiss too. The unexpected tender action and the carnal promise on his face sent goosebumps down her arms and fired up an embarrassing heat between her legs.
Chapter Seven
Zoe was still a bit paler than usual, but she looked stunning in the soft pink dress. From the moment she entered the parlor and walked with measured, almost regal steps toward him, Ben couldn’t tear his gaze from her.
However, she didn’t seem to have the same problem and avoided his eyes until the priest spoke the famous words. Then her startled gray orbs met his.
Anticipation building in his veins, Ben turned toward his bride. The very woman who would free him from the vultures flocking around him and trying to entice him into their arms. The woman who would escort him to functions and would warm his bed.
Frozen in place, she tipped her head back and stared up at him. Ben curled a possessive and protective hand around her skull, enjoying the soft skin beneath his thumb. With his free hand, he interlaced their fingers and used her arm as a leash to tug her closer.
Ignoring both the officiating minister and the guests, Ben waited for Zoe to relax. He wasn’t going to hurry this. Reasonable or not, he wanted their first kiss to count. Her hand in his trembled slightly and he squeezed reassuringly.
Whether it was his gesture, his patience or something beyond his control, finally the pink tip of her tongue darted out and traced her lips as if readying for a kiss, and Zoe let out a long sigh.
Taking it as a sign, he drew her closer and enjoyed the feel of her soft curves flush against his harder bulk. Flicking his gaze from her eyes to her mouth and back, Ben closed the distance between them and bit back a moan as his mouth connected with the softest, sweetest lips he’d ever tasted.
Much sooner than he wanted, Ben ended the kiss and turned his attention to the minister long enough to thank him for the service before the guests descended on them to offer their congratulations.
After shaking too many hands, they were required to cut the cake, take pictures, mingle, and pose for more photos, the wedding reception taking much longer than Ben wanted or liked.
Each time he touched Zoe, every time he noticed her smile, or heard her laugh, his groin stirred and pulsed with anticipation of what was to come. After almost five endless hours, they were able to say goodbye to the guests, and he pulled his bride against him.
She didn’t resist, but her body was stiff and tense. Nerves rolled from her in almost tangible waves, and he wondered how experienced she was when it came to man-woman relationships. For all he knew she was into women. I should have bothered to get to know her a little better before I steamrolled her into marriage. But somehow seeing her so lost and vulnerable in front of the sheik had unleashed something savage and primal in him. I shall do better from now on.
Can I do this? Zoe wasn’t sure as she watched in dread as the guests left. Could she sleep with this man, who might have had a hand in Mikey’s death?
Because if the stiff bulge against her buttocks was any indication, he was ready to go at it as soon as the door closed behind them.
“Ready?” he whispered against the curve of her shoulder and neck. His lips grazed the tender skin, and she shuddered but not with revulsion. Her skin heated, and beneath her wedding dress her breasts swelled, and her nipples tightened.
Not really.
“Sure.” Zoe closed her eyes and willed the attraction to fade, but she was just too aware of his broad palms resting on her hips, his solid warmth against her back, and his sensual mouth so close to hers.
His hands on her hips tightened to the point of pain, and Zoe squirmed. He let go of one hip, but when she started to pull away from him, he crossed his free arm over her chest and curled his hand around her chin. Forcing her head back, he locked his intense blue-green gaze with hers.
The deep, dark, forest-at-night color conveyed his displeasure even before he spoke. “You’ve just run into one of my crash and burn offenses, dear.”
“Um.”
“Uh-huh. You listen. We don’t know each other long or well. For this agreement to work, I ask of you to be honest.”
