Page 23 of It Takes a Thief
“No.”
I run a hand through my cropped hair. Time to return to the dreaded list of her exes. “Okay, back to ex-boyfriends.”
When she doesn’t say anything, I look up.
“Mer?” I press.
“You can just put a little ‘N/A’ in that column,” she murmurs, cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink.
For a moment, I think I heard her wrong. How is that even possible? She’s stunning in every possible way from her looks to her personality. Sure, she’s a bit strong headed, but I like that she doesn’t let anyone push her around. She’s not afraid to speak up, and I can respect that.
And I can’t pull my eyes off her. She’s truly lovely, something my dick noticed on day one. But now, other parts of me are noticing it, too. How insanely graceful and ladylike she always is. How glamorous and well put-together she is, even when she’s only wearing leggings. This woman doesn’t need to be wearing a fancy ball gown and dripping with jewels to make her shine. She has an inner light that makes her brighter than any gem. A rare and lovely woman with more sparkle than her damn diamond crown.
“Stop looking at me like that.” She groans, covering her face with her hands. “It’s so embarrassing.”
“Mer, look at me.”
“No,” she grumbles, then finally parts her fingers and peeks out.
With a chuckle, I tug her hands away, wrapping my fingers around hers. “Do you have any idea how adorable you are?”
“Yeah, right,” she grumbles. “That’s why you ran away earlier when I tried to kiss you.”
Yeah, about that…
“I wanted to kiss you.” My voice comes out dangerously husky.
She doesn’t look convinced. Suddenly, I hate myself for pushing her away. Regret it with every fiber of my being.
Time to make amends.
Even though I know I shouldn’t do what I’m about to, I don’t give a shit anymore. I just want to see that pretty smile light up her face. Because her smile? It’s like a constellation.
“I wanted to kiss you,” I tell her again in a low growl. “Still do.”
Before I can change my mind, I close the distance between us, and my mouth covers hers.
Chapter Nine: Merritt
I’m not expecting Linc to kiss me, and, for a shocked moment, I freeze. His big hand cups the side of my face, and I think he’s waiting to see what I do. How I react to his lips on mine.
A desire like I’ve never known before spears through me, and my mouth opens, inviting him inside. His hesitation disappears and he slides his tongue past my lips. Exploring, caressing.Oh, God.My mind blasts into the stratosphere and every logical thought explodes into shimmering waves of desire, making everything a little hazy.
No one has ever kissed me like this. His mouth is firm, yet gentle, wreaking complete havoc on my lonely heart and body. I can tell he’s holding back, though. As if he’s not ready to release his full power on me.
Suddenly, it’s over before it really begins.
“Nooo,” I murmur when he pulls away. “Don’t stop.”
I can see the heat in his dark eyes before he douses it. “It’s late,” he says, voice deep and rumbly, “and you’ve been through a lot today.”
Even though I know he’s right, I could kiss him all night.
“C’mon, let’s get you up to bed.”
I reluctantly get up off the couch and watch as he checks the windows and alarm again.
“We’re fifty floors up. Do you really think someone is going to come through a window?”
