Page 17 of Queens and Monsters

“Now that we’ve been formally introduced, I’d like to get to know you better.”

My breathing hitched as I found myself lost in his black orbs. They pulled me in, such as a black hole in space. I was powerless to back away. He reached for myhand, sending electrical current through my circulation. I found it difficult to take a full breath as his warm lips brushed my knuckles.

Silence ensued despite the busy lounge around us. Rei and I were in a bubble of our own. Rei’s gape continued. It was as if he looked away for even a millisecond, I might disappear. There was more than black to his eyes. Swirls of emotions lightened the darkness within.

“How much better?” I asked.

“Do you remember my question last night?”

“Not verbatim.”

“I asked if any man has ever touched you before, brought you pleasure.”

I sucked in a breath. “I remember that.”

“You didn’t answer me.”

“No man has touched me before you last night.”

His almost-smile reappeared. “That’s what I want, to be the man who touches you, kisses you, and brings you pleasure like you’ve never dared to imagine.”

“I don’t know you.”

“You know Emiliano?” There was something in his tone that made me uneasy.

“Not well, but I’ve known him since the wedding. I just met you.”

Rei shook his head. “We met at the wedding too. Jano introduced me. I’m apparently not memorable.”

A scoff escaped my lips. “That’s not true at all. You’re very memorable. The wedding was a bit stressful. I wasn’t supposed to be there. It’s more of a blur.”

“I remember you.” Again, he reached for a strand of my hair and ran it through his fingers. “You’re noteasy to forget. But back then, the alliance was just beginning. As you know, it’s grown. And there are problems.”

It was the most I’d heard him say. “Problems?”

“Sí, another cartel wants to take over our outfit.” He sat taller. “It won’t happen. We’re stronger as an alliance.” He cupped my cheek.

I leaned toward his warm touch.

“I want to kiss you.”

Words were beyond me as I nodded.

Our lips met, stealing my breath. Unlike Em, Rei wasn’t soft and tentative. He wasn’t testing the waters. No, just like his personality, Rei’s kiss was powerful, a race car going from zero to two hundred in the blink of an eye.

I didn’t know how he did it. The sensation of his lips wasn’t confined to my lips. I felt him everywhere. From the tingling in my toes to awareness in my scalp. Heat flooded my circulation.

His hands left a ghost of a touch over my arms until he cupped the back of my neck. Sparks smoldering within the ashes of last night’s encounter ignited within me. I leaned closer, pressing my breasts against his solid chest until I remembered we weren’t alone. Pulling away, my lips felt swollen. I looked down, concentrating on the gold chain around his neck.

Rei lifted my chin, bringing our gazes together. “That is how I want to know you better. Only me, Jasmine.”

Only him.

My thoughts went to Em.

I pressed my lips together. “I’m certain Dario wouldn’t approve.”

“He will. I’ve made up my mind.”

---