Page 35 of Trick's Trap

Tahlia blinked, her eyes brightening with tears. “I did want to come with upstairs you. You’re the one who didn’t want to rush into bed. As I recall, I threw myself at you. “

He moved a hand to her chin. “And you were nearly irresistible. But I slowed things down because I could feel something was off, not because I didn’t want you.”

He’d desired her that night, and he still wanted her now. Desire, lust, and half a dozen emotions he couldn’t name were there in between them, thickening the air. He doubted it would every go away.

But there had been a recklessness to her that night that caught him off guard. He wrestled the devil, turning down what she offered. But his instincts had told him if he slept with her, he’d never see her again. That hadn’t fit with his plans.

Speaking of which.Trick took hold of her hair, twisting and wrapping the long length of it around his fist. Kneeling, he bent to kiss her, stopping when he was just a hairsbreadth away, letting her close the small distance between them.

For a second, he believed she wouldn’t, but then a fairy’s wing brushed him as she stood on her tiptoes to reach him.

Her lips touched his, the lightest and sweetest of pressure. That was all it took. Lust roared, drowning out his intention to handle her with care. Trick flattened his hand against the back of her head, pressing his lips down more firmly.

His tongue licked and bit, demanding entry. Tahlia obeyed, parting her full lips to let him in.

His response was completely out of proportion with the act. One kiss should not make him feel like a conqueror, but it did. His blood ran fast and hot as he plundered, coaxing and seducing Tahlia into kissing him back.

She did, but tentatively, just like their first encounter so many months ago. Her hesitation only made him hungrier.

He’d grilled Maia on the men in Tahlia’s life. As far as she knew, there hadn’t been any. Perhaps there had been someone significant in Florida, but in Boston, she’d lived like a nun.

It was startling to realize how much he liked that.

Trick didn’t think of himself as a chauvinist. He’d hooked up with a lot of women, and he appreciated the bold ones who knew what they wanted and weren’t afraid to take it.

Nevertheless, something about Tahlia’s obvious inexperience pleased him inordinately.

She’s with you. It’s not one-sided, he assured himself as her tongue shyly stroked his back. Though circumstances had pushed her into his arms, they did have a connection. Neither of them would deny that.

Tahlia shivered, straining against him. She put her hands against his chest, making him glance down. The wrap on her wrist reminded him to take care. He pulled back abruptly, breathing hard.

“Sorry,” he apologized, taking her bandaged hand in his. “I don’t want to aggravate your injuries.”

Abashed, Tahlia backed away. “Now that you mention it, I could use a little more ibuprofen.”

“Are you sure you don’t want anything stronger?” he asked. Eric had left a bottle of codeine for her.

She shook her head. “I met one or two people on the streets who got there after getting hooked to an opiate after an injury. I don’t want to tempt fate. Ibuprofen is fine.”

Turning, she glanced back longingly at the unfinished plate of burger and fries.

Trick jumped into action. He got on the phone, and then quickly ordered a fresh plate over her objections. “Trust me. Our signature burger tastes a lot better fresh and hot.”

She pursed her lips. “I don’t want to waste anything. The kitchenette has a microwave,” she pointed out, waving at the elaborate string of appliances on the far end of the counter.

“And you’re welcome to use it if you’re still hungry after the fresh one comes,” he said, winking.

He could feel her reluctance as she picked up another cold fry from the plate. She chewed walking around the suite, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet as she examined her new home.

The floor plan of the suite was open, with a tiled kitchen area partially separated from a sunken living area. The bedroom was separated by a pair of French doors. Unlike his room, this suite didn’t have a separate office. There was a desk and reading nook in the bedroom.

The knock announcing the arrival of Tahlia’s food came in record time. It was as if the kitchen had been waiting for the call—which they were. The Caislean staff was well trained, and they’d taken an avid interest in Tahlia’s situation.

Preparing a memorial for a beautiful girl, only to have her come back from the dead, would make anyone curious.

He thanked Daran, the night butler, for the tray and set it on the kitchen counter by Tahlia with a flourish. “Now this is how the Caislean burger should be eaten.”

Tahlia climbed on the barstool. Her hands shook slightly as she reached for the burger, making him feel guilty for making her wait. She took a bite and closed her eyes.

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