Page 10 of Entangled with the Enemy

His words hang heavy in the air between us. I can see the sincerity burning in those piercing blue depths, the silent plea for a second chance.

"Come in," I murmur, stepping back to allow him inside.

We settle on the couch, the proposal resting between us like a tangible promise. Holden turns to face me, his expression open and vulnerable in a way I've never seen before. He reaches out, his fingers brushing my knee in a gentle caress.

"I never meant to hurt you," he murmurs, his thumb tracing soothing circles against the bare skin. "All I want is the chance to show you how much you mean to me, to prove that we can build something incredible together—both professionally and personally."

His words resonate deep within me, echoing the same desires I've kept locked away, too afraid to voice them aloud. Suddenly, all the anger and resentment I've harbored seems to melt away, leaving only the undeniable connection that has simmered between us from the start.

"You hurt me," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I hurt you, too, by letting my anger blind me to who you really are."

Holden's lips quirk into a rueful smile. "I'd say we're even, then."

I return his smile, marveling at how easily the tension between us dissipates in this moment of shared understanding.

"We both made mistakes," I concede. "The question is, are we willing to move past them and see where this incredible connection could lead us?"

His answer is instant and decisive. "More than anything."

With a surge of determination, I snatch up the proposal and a pen from the coffee table. I scrawl my signature across the bottom, sealing our commitment.

The breath rushes from Holden's lungs in a harsh exhale, his eyes blazing with a heady mix of relief and undisguised want. Before I can react, he's surging forward, capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

His hands are everywhere—cradling my face, tangling in my hair, trailing blazing paths down my sides. I melt into his embrace, pouring every ounce of pent-up longing, every shred of forgiveness, into the heated press of my mouth against his.

A low growl rumbles from deep in Holden's chest as his tongue sweeps past my parted lips to stake a claim. I clutch at the hard planes of his chest, pulling him closer until there's no space left between us.

Need claws at my insides, an insistent ache that demands to be sated. I break away just long enough to yank Holden's shirt over his head, baring his sculpted torso to my hungry gaze.

"God, you're gorgeous," I breathe against the tanned column of his throat.

His only response is a guttural groan as he captures my mouth once more. Then he's lifting me into his lap, lowering me back onto the couch, settling between my parted thighs, the delicious weight of him pinning me in place.

Holden's mouth leaves mine, trailing a path of fire down my neck, lingering on the pulse point that betrays my racing heart. His hands slide down my sides, gripping my hips as he shifts, moving lower, his intent clear in the wicked gleam of his eyes.

"Holden," I start, a hint of nervousness creeping into my voice.

He silences me with a look, his voice a low growl. "I've been dying to taste you."

Well, when he puts it like that...

He kisses me again, this time on the soft skin of my stomach. His fingers hook into the waistband of my shorts, tugging them down along with my underwear in one smooth motion. I lift my hips to help him, a shiver of anticipation running through me.

Holden pauses, looking up at me with a heated gaze. "You're beautiful, Imogen."

I feel a blush spreading across my cheeks, but before I can respond with a clever quip, he lowers his head, and all thoughts of witty banter fly out the window.

The first touch of his tongue is electric, sending a jolt of pleasure through me. I gasp, my hands fisting in his hair as he explores me with a skill that leaves me breathless. He's not rushed, not hurried. He takes his time, each lick and suck deliberate, designed to drive me wild.

And it's working.

"God, Holden," I pant, my back arching as he hits a particularly sensitive spot.

He hums against me, the vibration adding another layer of sensation. I can feel the tension building, the delicious pressure that promises release. My breath comes in short gasps, my heart pounding in my chest.

Holden's hands grip my thighs, spreading them wider, opening me up completely. I'm exposed, vulnerable, but with him, it feels right. It feels safe.

He looks up at me again, his eyes dark with desire. "Let go, beautiful. Let me see you come undone."

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