Page 76 of His Greatest Treasure

She’s waiting, every blink of her lashes antsy. I nearly give in and kiss her, but this isn’t where I want it to happen.

“I’m a picky bastard when it comes to you, princess. Our kiss isn’t happening in the station’s gym with my squad members outside the door. And not when you’re using it as a bargaining chip.”

“What?”

The rejection in her eyes is a blade to the gut. It’s the last thing I want to see, but fucking hell, I’ve waited long enough for this, I’m going to make sure it’s perfect.

“When I kiss you, it’s going to be when we’re alone and you’re ready for what it means for me to taste you on my lips. I’m not going to do it just for fun,” I explain as softly as possible.

She shakes my hand from her face and takes a generous yet reluctant step back. My stubborn girl lets her claws out, anger turning her chest and neck red. “I’m glad it’s all up to you.”

“I’ll always make sure your thoughts, wants, and feelings are heard, Avery, but this one thing isn’t up for negotiation.”

“Becauseyousay so? Yeah, that’s not going to work for me. I don’t want to play games, Oliver, and I don’t allow anyone to make decisions for me. If that’s what you’re doing, then you’re right about us not taking that step.”

Her statement shouldn’t make me hard, but I’m painfully so,my jeans suddenly a size too tight in the crotch. “I’m not playing games.”

She glares at me, filling the gap between our bodies with invisible spears that I’d bet she’s hoping I’ll impale myself on.

“I’m not some young girl who’s been saving her kiss for a movie-worthy moment. I want spontaneous and emotion. It doesn’t matter if we’re on the top of the Eiffel Tower or in a dark alley behind some grungy bar. If I say I want to be kissed, then I damn well want to be kissed?—”

One long stride and I’m eagerly throwing myself onto those spears of hers. Her cheeks are hot beneath my palms, but her lips are hotter. The first brush of them against mine yanks a groan from deep in my chest, desire swelling from the pit inside of me that’s been buried for years.

She leans up into me, eyes shut and mouth eager. There’s more to her kiss than desire or interest. It’s acceptance, a release of the tight grip she’s kept on her emotions for years. Since she became a mother, no doubt.

She gives in to me, and I move my mouth against hers with a million silent promises. Care, affection, service. Anything she wants, I’d give her. There’s no point in beating around the bush about it.

Avery Miller didn’t stumble back into my life; she was shoved by something bigger than us.

For a guy that’s never given much of a shit about that kind of thing before, it feels pretty fucking significant to do so now.

“You’re used to calling all the shots. Making the decisions and bearing the consequences of the ones that aren’t always appreciated. But this right here . . .” I exhale against her mouth. “You’ve just given me permission to step in to share those responsibilities of yours. I tried to give you the chance to think about it, but you chose to be a brat instead.”

Her pupils widen, the blue around them sparkling. “A brat, hmm?”

“A beautiful one that has me all out of sorts.” I nip her bottom lip almost in punishment. “Do you know how long you’ll be without a car?”

“Not yet. Really, I can just use an Uber until I’ve got everything figured out. You don’t have to loan me your SUV.”

I kiss her before she can add to that answer with something that won’t help her case. Dipping my hand to cup her waist, I tuck her against my front, beyond pleased with how well she curves into me. A perfect fit.

“My SUV is far better than an Uber. For tonight, I’m sure my mom will love to see Nova before her first ballet class Wednesday.”

“She’s not busy with other things? I don’t mind taking an Uber.”

“Did you get Nova’s booster seat from your car?”

She stares behind me, frowning. “No. I didn’t think about it. Shit, how did Inotthink about that? It should have been the one thing I made sure to grab.”

“I’ve got one in mine. If you’re okay with my mom coming to get the two of you, I’ll load it in her car before you leave.”

She pinches her brows together. “Did you go out and buy one? Tell me how much it was?—”

Her words die off when I press my thumb to her lower lip and curl my pointer finger below her chin, tipping her head back slightly. “You’re going to drive me mad.”

“Is that a surprise to you?” she breathes out.

“Not at all.”

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