Page 91 of Wicked Sins

His heart pounds in time with mine, his chest rising and falling erratically under my palm.

“We can’t do this,” he says.

“It’s just kissing.” I dart forward, burning to taste his mouth, my body aching for him to run his hands all over me.

“I won’t be able to stop,” he rasps.

“Who said I wanted you to?”

“We’re not thinking straight.”

I let out a laugh. “And?”

Joah leans back and examines me. The predatory light gleaming in his eyes fades.

The tension between us snaps. His face slackens, and he drops his eyes.

“Joah—”

“I’m going to bed,” he says, sitting forward stiffly and practically pushing me out of the way.

He’s right, of course.

I’m hurting, and I barely knew little Emma. I can’t imagine what he must be—

Joah’s hand comes out of nowhere.

He grabs me by the throat and pushes me against the couch. I’m so shocked, all I manage is a gargled sound of protest.

“Why can’t I stop thinking about you?” he growls.

His fingers tighten, cutting off my air. I choke and try to peel his fingers from my throat.

I can’t.

He’s too strong.

Too angry.

I pushed him too far.

“Quiet, darling,” he says quietly. His arm muscles bunch as he drags me to the side and then forces me onto my back on the couch. “The more you struggle, the more I want you.”

He tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.

He tried to stop me, but I wanted more.

Fear paralyzes me. My hands thump to the leather seat beside me.

Breathe, Candy. Just breathe. He won’t hurt you. Hecan’t.

Those thoughts are as naive as I am.

“You want to know what I dreamed?” he asks, scanning my body as if he can see right through my pajamas. “How about I show you instead?”

Something coils deep in my belly, but it’s not fear.

It’s excitement.

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