The masculinity I already sensed in him makes me melt instantly, surrendering to his hungry demand. His hot, rough tongue explores my mouth, tasting me, making me want more.

I can’t stifle a whimper, and my response seems to excite him further. His hand tangles in my hair, caressing the nape of my neck, sending a sharp ache to my swollen, sensitive breasts.

When he sucks on my tongue, my other hand moves to his hair, holding him in place. A low growl escapes his throat, and he lifts me, likely intending to pull me onto his lap. But at that exact moment, the sound of a passing car startles me, and I pull away.

I don’t have the courage to look at him, embarrassed by how easily I gave in.

I take several deep breaths, trying to calm myself, but it’s no use. My entire body is still humming, refusing to obey my mind’s commands.

"We’ve had our first kiss and our first argument now. Those are checked off the list, Brooklyn," he says, smug.

"It was just a kiss."

"Look me in the eye and say that again."

I swallow hard and keep my gaze on the street.

"That’s what I thought," he says arrogantly, restarting the car.

Athanasios

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

She hasn’t saidanything since I started driving again.

Damn, kissing her wasn’t part of my plan. When I told Zeus I’d take her home myself, my intention was to get Brooklyn used to being around me, because from now on, the cards are on the table, and I’m going after what I want: her.

“This doesn’t change anything between us,” she finally says.

“What happened changes everything, and you know it. Now I know what your mouth tastes like, Brooklyn. I’ve already heard your pleasure-filled moans. I want more. I want it all.”

“We can’t. I won’t lie . . . I feel attracted to you too.” She takes a deep breath. “I feel very attracted to you, but I’m not like the women you’re used to dating.”

I park in front of her family’s house. “Look at me when you’re talking to me.”

She turns to face me again. “You make me nervous.”

“It’s not nervousness; it’s desire. A chemical reaction of the body. You want me as much as I want you, and that kiss earlier only proved how compatible we are. I’m not going to force you, but I won’t give up.”

“Why me?”

I’m saved from having to answer when the front door opens and Eleanor steps out.

“Your family is waiting for you,” I say.

She turns around and waves at her stepmother. “We’re not done talking,” she says.

“We’ll have time for that. Believe me when I say I won’t give up.”

Her cheeks turn red. “You’re very direct.”

I take a strand of her hair, feeling its softness between my fingers. “You’ve had your share of liars in your life. With me, you’ll always find honesty.”

She looks at me as if trying to analyze whether I’m telling the truth.

“Your stepmother is coming.”

She glances quickly in Eleanor’s direction. “Do you think I can walk to the door? I don’t want to arrive in a wheelchair.”