Not wanting to deal with it, I find the glue in the kit and manage to twist enough to apply it to the wound. Pushing the skin together, I have her apply a butterfly bandage.

"There," I grunt. "Good as new."

Her fingers tremble against my skin as she wraps the bandage around my ribs. The gentle brush of her hands sendselectricity through my veins despite the pain. I catch her wrist, stilling her movements.

"You're shaking."

"I don't like blood." Jazz tries to pull away but I hold firm.

"Look at me."

She meets my gaze, those dark eyes burning with something beyond concern. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, betraying her racing pulse.

"I'm fine." I slide my hand up her arm, drawing her between my legs. "It's just a scratch."

"A scratch that needs stitches." Her palm presses against my chest, but she doesn't push away. "You should rest."

"I've got better ideas." I cup the back of her neck, threading my fingers through her curls.

"Nerio..." Her protest dies as I crush my mouth to hers.

She tastes like mint toothpaste, like mint and something sweet. Her lips part on a gasp and I take full advantage, deepening the kiss until she melts against me. My other hand finds her hip, pulling her flush against my body.

"We shouldn't," she whispers against my mouth.

"Give me one good reason why not." I trail kisses down her throat, feeling her pulse race beneath my lips.

"You're injured."

"Not that injured." I bite gently at her collarbone. "Try again."

Her fingers dig into my shoulders. "This is a bad idea."

"Maybe." I capture her mouth again, swallowing her soft moan. "But I'm done fighting it." I've wanted her so bad, and I'm sick of fighting everything in my life.

I just want a fucking taste before I'm dead, and this woman is so close to killing me.

"Me too." Jazz threads her fingers through my hair, tugging me closer as she kisses me back with equal hunger.

I stand, ignoring the protest from my ribs as I lift her onto the counter. Her legs wrap around my waist, drawing me in until there's no space left between us. Months of tension explode as I devour her mouth, claiming every inch she'll give me.

And this time, there's not a damn thing in the world that will stop me.

12

NERIO

Ikiss Jazz deeper, my hands exploring every curve of her body. She responds with a soft moan, arching into my touch. I run my hands over her breasts, teasing her nipples through the thin fabric of her t-shirt. The sensation draws a gasp from deep within her, and I revel in the sound.

"God, Jazz," I murmur against her lips, my voice rough with desire. "You drive me insane."

She smiles against my mouth, her fingers digging into my shoulders. "In a good way?" she asks in a sweet little whimper that is going to be my undoing.

"More than you know." My hands slide under her shirt, feeling the warmth of her skin. I trail my fingers up her sides, slowly lifting the fabric until she raises her arms, letting me strip her bare. Her breath hitches as the cool air hits her skin, but her eyes never leave mine.

"Nerio..." Her voice is a whisper, a plea.

"Tell me what you want," I command, my gaze locked on hers as I trace the edge of her sleep shorts.