Page 78 of Branded Hearts

“You call that a kiss?” he says, voice low and gravelly.

Before I can respond, he gently cradles my face in his hands, his touch tender yet firm. His lips meet mine in a kiss that ignites a fire within me, a passion I never knew existed. The world blurs as his tongue gently teases my lips, asking for entrance.

I melt into him, trying not to think about how this feels like one of my daydreams. My hands slide up to his chest, feeling his heartbeat thumping under my fingers. He guides me backward until my back presses against the side of the passenger seat. A deep, rumbling sound vibrates from his chest, sending shivers down my spine and eliciting a soft, completely involuntary whimper from me. His touch is electric, like a live wire, sparking a fierce desire that zips through my body. And then, way too soon, he breaks the kiss, leaving me breathless and a bit dizzy.

“We’re in a public car park,” I whisper, my voice shaky.

He grins that infuriatingly charming grin. “And?”

I try to steady myself, glancing around at our surroundings. “And... people can see us!”

He must sense my apprehension because he turns to look around. About two metres away, an older couple strolls by, their eyes glued to us.

My face flushes, and I wish the ground would swallow me whole.

He turns back to me, his expression softening. “Hey, don’t feel embarrassed. If I wanna kiss you in an open car park, I’m gonna do just that. I don’t give a fuck what people think, and you shouldn’t either. Understood?”

I nod quickly, biting my lip to stop the wordsYes, sirfrom escaping.

“Good girl. Come.”

With swift movements, he lifts me up and gently places me on the seat, closing the door behind me. I watch as he rounds the car to the driver’s side, his actions deliberate and confident. Just as we settle into the car, my phone rings. Fishing it out of my bag, I see it’s my mum calling.

Panic grips me.

Why is she calling now?

Bradley notices my wide eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Sorry, it’s my mum,” I say, glancing at Bradley. “Should I step outside to take this?”

He raises an eyebrow, shaking his head. “Amelia, stay in the car and answer it.”

I fumble to answer the call. “Hi, Mum!”

Her familiar voice brings instant comfort. “Hi, darling. Is this a bad time?”

“Uh, sort of.” I glance at Bradley, who just gives me a pointed look. “But it’s fine. What’s up?”

“Meli, I have such exciting news!” Her voice brims with excitement. I blush, praying Bradley didn’t catch the nickname.

“What news?” I ask, trying to match her enthusiasm.

“Kathryn is coming up from Sydney with little Millie and John!” Her announcement sends a thrill through me.

“When? Why didn’t she tell me?”

“Friday afternoon, for the weekend!” Her joy is contagious. “I just spoke to her. She’ll probably call you soon.”

A squeal escapes me, and I glance at Bradley, who’s clearly amused. I clear my throat. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“What are you up to?” Mum asks. I wince.How do I explain this?

“Just had dinner,” I say casually.

“With who?”

“Uh, just a—” I start, but Bradley interrupts, taking the phone from my hand. My eyes widen in shock.What are you doing?I mouth to him, and he just holds up his hand with a wink.

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