Page 78 of De-Witched

His eyes locked on hers, blazing jewel green for one instant. “Apparently I’m not the only one.”

She imagined her eyebrows practically disappeared into her hair. “Kole? He’s a friend.”

“Mmm.”

She lifted the hand that rested on his shoulder to poke him in the ribs. He jumped, startled. “Don’t do that. I’m serious.”

“It’s not the first time he’s come between us.”

Her breath hitched as he referenced the balcony. He knew. How? When?

It wasn’t the place to ask, but later...after.

“No,” she agreed softly, acknowledging that truth. “He’s overprotective. Like a brother.”

“Trust me, he is not acting like a brother.”

She was hearing that a lot tonight. “Please. I’ve known him for years. We’ve only ever been friends.”

His jaw flexed. “It’s not my business.”

“You’re being an idiot again,” she informed him, delighting in how his mouth turned down in annoyance. “Of course, it’s your business. If you want it to be.”

He didn’t look at her. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Okay, now she was annoyed. “You know exactly what I mean, you’re just not admitting it. Where’s the blunt guy who always tells the truth, huh?”

“The truth?”

“Yeah.”

“You want me to tell you the truth?”

“Yes.”

“You want me to tell you that I wanted to rip his hand off you?” His grip tightened on her waist. “You want me to admit that I hate feeling that way? More, that I despise every man that sees you in that fantasy of a dress, knowing each one is imagining you removing it for them?”

Her heart was in her throat, and it was beating so hard, she couldn’t breathe.

His mouth brushed her temple as he brought her even closer, so his words sank into her skin. “I can’t think of anything but you, Leah. How I could make you feel just as crazed. Lips. Teeth.” He grazed his along her skin and she almost moaned, melting against him. “Body.” He dipped his head, whispered into her ear. “I am Gabriel Goodnight. I do not indulge in scandalous behavior. I do not cause scenes. But you tempt me to it, Leah.” His breath was hot and made lust pulse everywhere. “Oh, you tempt me.”

She had no idea what to say, if there were even words to say.

Her head tilted back, watched as his gaze settled on her mouth, lifting to her eyes. Her lips felt swollen, her body aching. Empty.

“Yes,” she rasped. “Tell me all of that.”

He stared at her, a small smile slowly commanding his face. He shook his head. “You’re trouble.”

“You’re the one asking for it.” Leah wet her lips. “But you don’t have to.”

He blinked in incomprehension, still somehow moving their bodies to the beat.

She grabbed her courage with sweaty hands and went all in. “Ask,” she clarified. “Tonight, I’m yours for the taking.”

She watched his eyes darken, felt his hold on her change. To her delight, his eyes glittered, as though magic manifested in them.

He might have surrendered then. She really thought he might have gone against all that was Gabriel Goodnight and swept her into a kiss of legend in front of everyone—if they hadn’t been interrupted.

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