Page 101 of Forbidden You

Inside, a red carpet is draped over the small steps that lead to the main hall and cameras flash my way. I’ll never get used to this. I’ve been shot by paparazzi numerous times, kind of a byproduct of being best friends with Governor Jensen’s son, but actually posing on a red carpet feels so extremely stupid to me.

If the amount of media attention wasn’t amazing for the foundation, I’d skip this whole part and enter through the backdoor.

I hold still for a moment, giving them their time to snap their shots until my heart stops, my gaze stolen by the vision of a woman I’m growing more obsessed with every day.

She’s wearing a blush pink silky dress. One that falls over her curves with an elegance that is mesmerizing. A slit shows off her long and luscious legs, and the sweetheart neckline highlights her slender neck and tempting yet tasteful amount of cleavage. Her brown hair sits in a long braid, maintaining her curls for the night. Her delicate skin begging me to stain it with kisses.

She looks breathtaking.

My jaw drops to the floor, and I anxiously bring my feet forward with a smug grin splitting my entire face. When our eyes lock, she lights up like a damn chandelier, and the image engraves itself in my brain like a tattoo.

Mine.

That’s the only thing crossing my mind.

Mine to hold. Mine to flaunt. Mine to take home. Mine to undress.Mine to fucking cherish.Even though I’m fully aware she’s anythingbutmine.

She gives me a short wave, chuckling at my gaping look, I’m sure, and I shake my head.

“Well, say something!” she presses when she’s almost within my reach. A small and playful scowl sits on her face.

“You look...” I huff, trying to find the words that will do her justice. But considering my silence, the only conclusion I come to is that there are none. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything more beautiful in my life.”

The corners of her mouth lift once more, and with big steps, I close the distance.

When my hands connect with her hips, I shove her further inside, away from the camera’s before I pull her against my chest, shamelessly pressing my lips against hers.

Her sweet honey scent intoxicates me, creating a craving inside that can’t be stilled with a single kiss, and eagerly I take her cheeks in my hands. Slowly, I push my tongue into her mouth, wanting to feel her breath merging with mine. To taste her, like she’s the last drop of water in the world.

“Bodi, people will see,” she hums against my lips.

“Let them.”What am I doing?

“There are people from KPI inside.”

“Nowyou want to be cautious?” I tease, nibbling her lip.

“I don’t.” She giggles, a sound that makes the guy in my pants stand even taller than he already was. She’s right, though.

But she tastes too damn good. A feral moan vibrates against her throat, and she breaks our connection, laughing, as I connect my forehead with hers. My eyes stay fixed on her parted lips.

“You are the prettiest girl here tonight,” I tell her.

“You haven’t been inside yet.”

“I don’t have to. I already know.” Because I don’t see anyone else if Kayla is around. Lately, I don’t even see other women when sheisn’taround. Which is a whole other problem I’ve been pushing to the backburner for weeks.

“You look really handsome yourself.” Her hands move up and down the jacket of my black tux.

“Thanks, but I look like an old man compared to you.”

“A very sexy old man, though?” she jokes, and I lock my lips with hers again, breathing her in.

“My date!” a familiar voice barks behind us, and I look over her shoulder while never letting go of her cheeks. “Dad?”

I release Kayla from my grip, and I guide us forward, my hand on the small of her exposed back, out of the corner I pushed her in. My father shuffles forward with Sheila on his arm, but she’s the one leading him instead of the other way around.

He’s wearing a tux that shows off his broad shoulders, even though it’s clear he has lost a lot of weight over the past week. I know he’ll never be the same, but when I look closely, look through the surface of his pain, he reminds me of the dad he once was. The one who could still take care of me and give me advice.

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