Page 198 of The Sins of Silas

Her smile slowly faded. “Thank you, Merrick…that is so kind.”

The tension in this room, our locked gazes…it set my skin ablaze.

She was so beautiful.

“Anything for you,” I murmured.

Her cheeks became redder, her eyes dipping to my lips, trailing along my jaw, along my body.

“If you really meant that,” she whispered, her lips curving into a smile, “you'd give me your new bow.”

I chuckled, my eyesgreedily taking her in, fixated on those long, tanned legs. “So unappreciative.”

Her smile turned playful. “I am oh so appreciative of the out-of-date model.”

“Smartass,” I muttered, my eyes playfully flicking up to meet hers.

She swallowed, skittishly tucking her hair behind her ear. Her eyes darted to the door, her nerves bleeding into mine.

She was anxious about Silas returning with me still in her room.

I crept closer to her, and she released a breath, stumbling back a step.

I halted.

“I-I'm sorry…” she began, then shook her head.

I stepped forward again, and she retreated, eyes pleading.

“I can't, Merrick,” she whispered.

Another step forward. “Can't what?” I asked, my voice low.

She backed up again, finding her back against the door. She angled her face upward, panting as she stared at me.

Her desire flooded through me, heightening mine to the point I was breathing heavily, too.

“You…you should go,” she whispered.

I tilted my head to the side, leaning in close. My lips brushed the shell of her ear as I murmured, “You're the one blocking the door.”

Her eyes fluttered shut, goosebumps spreading across her bronzed skin. Her nipples were begging for my attention, hardened under that dark shirt.

I raised my hand, my movement languid as I caressed her cheek, dragging my thumb along that plump bottom lip of hers.

Her eyeswere heavy when she opened them, and desire ruled her. She propelled forward, pressing her lips against mine.

My heart raced, and my hand slipped from her cheek to grasp her waist. Our mouths parted this time, and as my tongue slid against hers, she moaned softly into my mouth.

She tasted like heaven, like strawberries and cream. I knew then I was addicted—no going back. I wanted to taste her daily…taste other places.

I pressed into her, deepening our kiss just as Erabella's hands weaved into my hair. I trailed mine lower, my hand grasping her breast, and she jerked back, her lips vacating mine.

“Merrick—no…I can't,” she gasped.

Her hands were still tangled in my hair.

I released her breast, my hand sliding to her waist to join the other. My breathing became labored, our lips still hovering over one another.

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