Page 15 of The Cost of Corruption

“Hell, I’m starting to think you might kiss me back.”

She didn’t say a word. With the way she was trembling in my lap, I wasn’t even sure she could have if she wanted to.

“Should we see if I’m right?” I teased, moving my hand from her cheek to back around her head, cupping the nape of her neck.

I was just about to pull her in even closer when she surprised me by moving herself, closing the gap between us in an instant, and pressing her lips against mine.

Hard.

Chapter Three

CHASTITY

Heaven help me.

In an instant, I knew my prayers were useless. No saint or angel above would be coming down to save me. Not from myself and earthly impulses. They’d be too ashamed. Too horrified.

Even God above was probably turning his head away from me.

What other reaction would be appropriate to such a wanton display of lust?

Even I knew it was wrong…but I still couldn’t help myself.

And Lord knew I’d tried.

From the moment Matteo had slid his long, strong fingers against my skin, taking me by the wrist and guiding me to this secluded office, I’d been fighting against these baser urges.

I’d done my best to keep my distance. Fought to clear my head. Tried to push back all the erotic fantasies that had played over and over in my head about him over the years.

But in the end, I was too weak.

Or his presence was too strong.

It was hard to tell the difference between the two.

Maybe later, when my mind wasn’t all fogged up from a mix of liquor and lust, I’d find the courage to beg forgiveness for my vast multitude of sins, but at that moment, I wasn’t done falling headlong into the pit.

The feel of Matteo’s lips against mine, the warm wash of his breath over my skin, the taste of his tongue—it was all too overwhelming.

It was everything I’d ever dreamed about.

No. It was more.

All those years, I could only guess what it would feel like to press my body against his. To have his arms—powerful and strong—wrap around me. To completely give myself up to a single moment of pleasure.

But now it was real.

And it was so much better than I could have ever imagined.

My heart pounded in my chest. My skin tingled. Every breath felt like fire.

It was like I was coming alive for the first time. Not just breathing. Not just existing. Butliving.

I may have started the kiss, but he deepened it, his fingers holding fast to the nape of my neck—the one exposed swath of skin not hidden under the wool of my habit.

His posture changed. Up to now, he’d been relaxed, both in body and attitude. But now, I could feel him tensing under my touch. Every muscle seemed to spring to life, coiling and tightening. I could feel his strength and power beneath the fine material of his dark suit.

And damn, I liked it.

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