Page 36 of Guarded from Corruption

Time suspends as she moves closer.

Close enough for her breath to feather across my lips.

Close enough to see her pulse jumping at her throat.

And finally.

We kiss.

First soft, Jade’s lips brushing over mine, softer than I could have imagined.

Then she gets bolder, nipping and tasting. Her hand clutches my shoulder.

I cup her nape, tunneling my fingers into her hair.

As the kiss grows deeper, I give myself over to it. I tease her lips open and plunge inside, exploring. Our tongues move in perfect rhythm, a hint of what might come in the future, if the way I feel about Jade stays true.

How could it not?

How could I feel differently about Jade when this is the most perfect feeling?

Jade makes a little humming sound in the back of her throat and it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.

I’m achingly hard and I’ve never felt this intense need for a woman before. Like my body is on fire for her.

Like she’s the one I’ve been waiting for.

All too soon, I pull back from her, wanting to make sure she’s okay. Even though I want to keep kissing her desperately.

Mouth flushed pink and kiss-swollen, her eyes slightly glazed, Jade’s lips curve into a smile. “That was better than all the times I imagined it.”

All the times? Did Jade fantasize about me? Did she ever think about me while she was lying in bed?

My voice goes rough. “How many times?”

“Oh.” Her cheeks go pink. “Not much.”

“Don’t worry.” I stroke her cheek, feeling the heat of her skin against my fingers. “I’m sure it wasn’t as many times as I thought about you.” Leaning in, I brush my mouth across hers and murmur, “And I agree. It was better. Kissing you is incredible.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

JADE

Is it wrong to be happy right now?

My heart says no. But my brain isn’t as sure.

My brain keeps reminding me of all the bad things going on—the people who are probably out there looking for me, the women I left behind, the loss of my job, and the anxiety that I can’t seem to shake.

How can I put that aside and still find joy? Is my happiness a betrayal of those women who must be living in so much fear? The women we still haven’t figured out how to rescue, despite all of Blade and Arrow’s efforts?

But then.

I look over at Niall as he spars with a punching bag and I can’t help staring at his muscular arms as they flex with each powerful blow. My gaze lingers on his damp T-shirt clinging to his broad shoulders and chest. His skin is glistening and his hair is damp and wavy, and I’m discovering I do find sweaty men sexy. At least I think Niall is.

Between punches, he glances over and shoots me a devastating smile. His gaze sweeps over me appreciatively, though he quickly tries to hide it. I know he’s trying to be careful, worried that any advances could trigger me, but knowing he likes how I look in my new shorts and tank top is the farthest thing from upsetting.

Concern laces his tone as he asks, “You doing okay, Jade? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

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