Page 14 of Forbidden Love

Maya walks beside me, her gaze darting around while taking in the sights and sounds. She smiles, but it seems like she’s hiding behind it. Still, the pull grows stronger with every step.

As we stroll along the Strip, I steal glances at her. The way her hair catches the neon lights, the way she moves with that effortless grace—it’s like she’s part of the city itself. There’s a wildness to her, a free spirit that draws me in and makes it impossible to look away.

We reach a quieter part of town, where the crowds thin out and the noise fades to a distant hum. It’s just the two of us now and the moment stretches out, thick with anticipation.

I turn to face her, the words catching in my throat. “Maya…”

She turns to me, her eyes wide and searching.

The next thing I know, I’m pulling her to me, my lips crashing against hers in a kiss that’s as fierce as the feelings I’ve hidden. She kisses me back, and the world falls away.

Our kiss is soft and tentative at first, like we’re testing the waters. But the connection is instant and electric, pulling us in deeper.

Everything else disappears. The city, the secrets, the doubts—none of it matters. It’s just me and her, caught in this perfect, fleeting moment.

Nothing hidden. It’s genuine. Real.

But as quickly as it started, the kiss ends. We pull away, breathless, our foreheads resting against each other’s as we try to make sense of what just happened.

As she catches her breath, her fingertips touch her lips. “We shouldn’t have done that.”

My heart pounds hard against my torso. “I know, but I couldn’t help it.”

She takes a step back, her hand slipping from mine. “We need to keep this professional, David. This… this can’t happen.”

I nod, even though everything in me is screaming to pull her back, to kiss her again, to let her feel my need. But reality tugs at me. “You’re right. We should stop.”

She glances down at the ground. Then she turns and walks away.

My heart sinks. Why did I have to screw this up? I curse under my breath.

Suddenly, she stops and turns around, her eyes alert. She strides back over and before I can react, she grabs me by the collar and pulls me down into a passionate kiss.

This kiss differs from the first. It’s fierce, demanding, and primal.

Arousal takes over my groin as my hands find her waist to pull her into me.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless, our hearts racing in sync. There’s a hot-blooded fire in her and it’s potent.

I must have her. Grabbing her hand, I lead her toward the hotel behind us. I know the building inside and out because I own it. In fact, it’s my flagship hotel, and staff could recognize me in there, but I don’t care. “Come with me.”

Still panting, she stares at me and nods.

As I lead her down a side street, we head away from the Strip’s glow. My mind races as I navigate the pathways that lead to the back entrance to the hotel.

I duck down as we slip inside, avoiding the security cameras and employees who might know me.

We move swiftly through the passageways until arriving at the back elevator. We take it straight to the top. When we finally reach my personal suite, I swipe my key card and push open the entrance, pulling her inside.

She steps in, her jaw dropping as she takes in the elaborate environment. The suite is luxurious, with rich fabrics and furnishings in shades of gold and cream. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the floor. The large windows offer a stunning view of the city below.

After examining the living room, she strides down the hallway to another door.

Inside the bedroom, the bed is the centerpiece, a canopy of silk sheets and plush pillows hinting at luxury and indulgence.

She turns around and glares at me. “Whose suite is this?”

I avoid answering the question because talking is the last thing I want to do. Instead, I pull her close again, and my lips find hers in a kiss that’s all-consuming and all-encompassing. The suite, the secrets, and all reason fade away.

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