Page 26 of At Your Door

“Did you know a new restaurant is opening in New York? It’s woman-owned!” My voice is shaky; I’m not trying to cover it up now.

Her footsteps come to a halt, and for a moment, I want to give in and turn around. But I know my thread is dwindling fast.

“Mia.” It’s not a question; the huskiness in her tone confirms that.

“Did you know she was actually a prep cook first?” My voice is choked.

When I don't get a response, my heart rate quickens. I know I should turn around, but I think that might be my breaking point.

I can feel it.

“Mia. Turn. Around.” Griffon speaks with authority.

Instantly, I respond, but as I grip the counter's edge to turn myself around, my senses are overtaken.

My eyes go nowhere else but to Griffon’s; they're dark like last night. This time, though, she’s studying my face, completely pinning me in place.

The smell of her is addicting.

While her touch and voice are all that I crave.

Shit.

But her taste…

It all happens so fast; a sense of urgency rips through me, and I become powerless to my own thoughts. My hands springforward, grabbing onto the front of Griffon's jumpsuit before pulling her down and devouring her mouth in one breath.

CHAPTER 15

GRIFFON

My hands find Mia’s waist as if I already have a map of her body. Her kiss is urgent and exploratory. Instinctively, I step forward, trying to take control of the situation.

But with how she’s gripping me, I can tell Mia is hungry, and right now, I’m ready to give her anything she wants. So I drop my hands from her waist and grip the counter on either side of her, giving her free rein to take whatever her body is telling her it needs. And by the way, she moans in compliance, I wonder if she’s ever been with anyone who has let her take control.

She’s strong; her arms wrap around the back of my neck as her tongue forces my lips to part. As I slip inside and a whimper escapes between her lips, I can’t help myself—I let go of the counter, reach down, and grab a handful of her ass before picking her up in one smooth motion. Mia’s legs immediately wrapped around my waist as I set her down on the edge of the countertop.

We’re still lost in each other's mouths; this kiss is not soft and sweet. It’s demanding, rough, and passionate. When I finally pull away, my lips practically burn with desire, and the sound that escapes Mia’s lips makes me regret ever stopping. But my hands find her thighs, and reluctantly, I force myself to push back to give us some space.

Both of our chests are heaving, and the only sound is our heavy breathing in the air surrounding us. I can already see the shine on Mia’s face, telling me she feels the same way I do.

The tip of my tongue barely grazes my lips before I finally speak up, “You gotta tell me what you want, Mia.”

***

MIA

I’m not expecting Griffon to speak. I’m out of breath, sweaty, and confused, feeling like I just got pulled away from an intense dream.

I wish it were because the reality of the situation is finally hitting me. My eyes go wide as I realize what the hell I just did. I’m at a loss for words, completely shocked by my own lack of self-control.

I can’t even meet her gaze as mine scatter all over the place, searching for a way out.

“Mia?” Griffon’s voice is low and deep.

My head snaps up to face hers, and now that we’re finally at eye level, it all feels overwhelming. I can hear my heart thumping in my ears, and the only thing that seems to be in focus is Griffon.

“Mia, speak up.” This time, her voice is dry and hoarse.

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