Page 34 of Strictly Forbidden

“They know when you’re good people, or in my case at least an okay dude.” He smiled and another little thrill trickled through me.

“I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” I was even pointing behind me down the hallway. I turned around, prepared to find a way to collect myself when I had a better idea. Maybe not better but it was best to draw the line in the sand now, so he didn’t have any undue expectations. When I spun around quickly to face him once again, I almost lost my balance. “Just so you know, Kage. You don’t mind me calling you Kage, do you? Anyway,” I laughed nervously yet again. “What we shared last night was amazing. Totally off the charts amazing. You are…”

Goddamn it, I sounded like an eighteen-year-old.

“You are amazing at everything you do, but I’m a busy lady. I can’t have any interference in my life. I mean I have a new book I literally just finished, which means I’ll need to start concentrating on edits. Then the release and all the artwork, a book tour. At least hopefully. See? I don’t have time to have anyone else in my life right now. Max is the exception of course.”

I was forced to take a deep breath. When he didn’t say anything, I found the courage to look him directly in the eyes. He was still searching mine, remaining as quiet as a damn church mouse. “So, that’s all. We can be friends and enjoy our time together. Like I said, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

Turning abruptly, I took another deep breath before heading to the kitchen where I found myself coming closer to hyperventilating. What the fuck was I doing? Why had I just told him that? I’d had the best sex of my life and I just blew him off. Both my reaction to him and the fact he was reading my book were ridiculous, but I didn’t like the new tension or the fact I’d enjoyed his company as much as I had.

And was still doing.

Besides, there was no other choice but to tell him we couldn’t do it again. Right? Oh, God. How was I going to be able to remain in close proximity to him? He was so sexy and desirable and…

And get a grip. Stop acting like a teenager. Not a good look on you.

My inner voice was spot on.

He was my houseguest for an undetermined period of time and that was it. I could certainly manage to keep my resolve.

I’d prepared a couple of drinks before he walked into the kitchen. As I turned around with them in my hands, the frilly stalks of celery sticking up like beacons of sin, I was once again lightheaded. I was also reminded he was all male.

Kage wore a different expression as he stood just inside the doorway, his massive form filling it completely. I was still in awe how huge he was, his shoulders almost as broad as the opening. In his rugged jeans that had seen better days and his unbuttoned shirt highlighting a mere peek of his gorgeous chest, I was once again pulled into the vacuum of insanely twisted desire.

I was acutely aware I’d involuntarily dragged the tip of my tongue across my bottom lip.

And as soon as his nostrils flared, his chest puffing up, I pretty well guessed he’d figured out what was on my mind.

I was frozen to the spot as he inched closer, as a stalker would do in any of my books. “Here. I made Bloody Marys.” I held one glass out in front of me, hating the fact my hand was shaking so badly. It was silly to be so nervous around him.

Or maybe not.

He allowed the same heated gaze from before to slowly glide to the drink I’d offered, and I’d be damned if it wasn’t as if a sneer had crossed his face. Now he was swaggering closer, taking his sweet time doing so. I hadn’t thought the man had a dramatic bone in his body, but it was obvious I was wrong.

The moment he closed the distance between us, the glass slamming against his chest, I was shocked to hear a little whimper erupting from my mouth. He took the drinks from my hand, placing them on the table then returning. He slowly pushed me against the edge of the counter.

“Um. What are you doing? Did you hear what I said a few moments ago? Do you want me to repeat it for you? I can.” I was even more nervous, pressing my palms against his chest, immediately curling my fingers so I could feel as much of his muscular structure as possible.

He planted one hand on the counter beside me, pressing two fingers of his other hand across my lips. “Lady, you’re one hell of a talented and extremely beautiful woman, but you talk too much. To answer your question, I don’t accept your decision or your rationale.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning,” he said in a huskier voice than before, “I’m not ready to let you go.”

CHAPTER 10

Noel

I didn’t have any time to ask him another question. Why? Because Kage captured my mouth, immediately pushing open my lips and thrusting his tongue inside.

If I’d thought he’d tasted sweet the night before, it was nothing in comparison to the hint of coffee and cream mixed with minty toothpaste.

A part of me knew I should push him away, stopping him from pushing every button and fulfilling my greatest desires but that just wasn’t going to happen.

As had also occurred the night before, he was getting ready to fulfill my every fantasy.

And damn if I didn’t want to allow him to do so.

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