Page 61 of Dex

“Huh.”She taps her manicured nails against her arm.“And when exactly were you going to tell me about this engagement?”

Dexter and I answer at the same time.

“Soon,” I say.

Raquel’s lips part, her head tilting.

“But you found out this way,” Dexter chuckles, smooth as ever, and tightens his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.He turns to me, and before I can process what’s happening, he cups my jaw and his lips brush mine so lightly.My lips feel scorched as he leaves his imprint on me.

For a man who can be so guarded, so emotionally distant, he blows hot and cold so fast, I feel like I have whiplash from his changing moods.His gaze lingers over my mouth and my lips instinctively part.

Time slows down.I think he’s waiting for my permission.Sweat forms along my nape.Raquel’s eyes feel like a lead weight on my chest, making it harder for me to think.

To breathe.

I tilt my face upwards and press my lips to his, but it happens so fast.The way Dexter’s mouth presses against mine, how my eyes flutter shut and I’m suddenly lost in a world of warmth and sweetness.

Then it turns slow, and lingering.I catch a hint of his cologne, dark and spicy.Dangerous, too.Like him.My arms close around his neck and I press myself against him, mewling against his mouth when his kiss turns hard, and crushing and bruising.Like we’re in the middle of making love, not standing in a bar, putting on a performance for my inquisitive friend.I hear a guttural moan deep in his throat, and feel the press of something poking against my stomach.

Oh my.

“Get a room, you both.”Rio’s voice breaks our spell and we pull apart.Dexter’s eyes lock with mine.I’m left feeling breathless, giddy.For a guy who doesn’t want any of this, he’s a pretty good actor.

Not to mention an amazing kisser.

My insides are in upheaval.My breasts heavy.Blood thunders in my ears.I can’t reconcile the cold man I met that first night with this passionate lover I now find myself staring at.This feels too real for my comfort.His thumb brushes over my cheekbone.“Right, amor?”

I smile back, feeling like a woman madly in love.

“It feels like I’m watching a porno.”Raquel huffs in disgust.

“And you would know this how?”Rio asks, eyes wide.

Raquel cuts him a cold look, before turning to us.I feel that we’ve managed to fully convince her.But the way Dexter kissed me, he’s convinced me that he loves me, and it feels bittersweet because I know how much he doesn’t want any part of this.

I have a long, cruel year ahead of me, and I’d better keep my wits about me.

The spell breaks after that.

We move apart.

There’s been too much shock and interruption, and our evening is ruined.Our appetizers go untouched and we all decide to head back.I feel a pang of disappointment.

This could have turned into something special, and I hate that we were denied that.

Chapter 15

RIO

That was an unexpected evening.I saw Dex and Daniela, saw their downturned faces.

It looked like they were having a great time, but after the way the evening ended, it made sense for us all to go home.

Dex took Daniela back, and to my surprise, Raquel agreed for me to drop her back.Now she’s sitting beside me as I’m driving, her arms crossed, staring out the window and looking pissed as hell.

I want to kiss her right now, but there’s no way it’s going to happen.Back at the bar, before all hell broke loose, sparks were zinging and zagging between us.I felt them, and I know she sure as hell did too.

“What’s wrong, Princesa?”

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