Page 220 of Toxic Temptation
“They’re not paying attention to us.”
“They will be if you keep making those sexy little sounds.”
I clamp my mouth shut, suddenly aware that I’ve been letting out soft gasps every time he touches me. Around us, the restaurant continues its quiet hum of conversation and clinking glasses, but all I can focus on is the pressure of Kovan’s hand and the wicked gleam in his eyes.
“You’re beautiful when you’re trying not to come apart,” he whispers.
“Kovan…”
“Tell me what you want.”
“You, obviously. I want you.” I glance around, then back at him. “Right now.”
He slides one finger under the lace, barely grazing where I need him most. “Here?”
“I don’t care where. I just… I need…”
“I know what you need.” He withdraws his hand, leaving me aching and empty. “Let’s go home.”
“No.” I catch his wrist before he can pull away completely. “I mean yes, home, but first…”
“First what?”
I glance around the restaurant again and find what I’m looking for. “Bathroom. Now.”
Kovan’s eyes darken to forest green. “Vesper?—”
“Please.” I’m already standing and smoothing down my dress with quivering hands. “I can’t wait until we get home. I’m literally shaking.”
He’s on his feet a second later, tossing bills onto the table without counting them. His hand finds the small of my back, guiding me through the maze of tables toward the back of the restaurant.
The women’s restroom is empty, thank God. I pity what Kovan would do if some unfortunate soul was in here trying to pee. He follows me inside, then slides the lock in place with a decisive click.
“This is crazy,” I breathe. All the bravado of two seconds ago has abandoned me.
“You started it.” He backs me against the vanity, hands bracketing my hips. “Having second thoughts?”
“Never.”
He lifts me onto the counter in one smooth motion, then steps between my parted thighs. My dress rides up. I don’t bother pulling it down.
“You kill me when you look like this,” he growls against my throat. “Absolute devastation.”
“Good. I want to ruin you for other women.”
“You already have.”
His mouth finds mine. I thread my fingers through his hair, holding him close as he devours me with lips and teeth and tongue. This is what I’ve been craving all week—this connection, this fire between us that makes everything else fade away.
When we break apart, we’re both breathing hard.
“I love you,” I whisper.
He goes very still. “What?”
“I love you.” The confession is terrifying and liberating at the same time. “I know we haven’t talked about it, and I know this probably isn’t the right time or place, but I just needed you to know. You don’t have to say it back or anything. I definitely don’t expect you to, and I’m not trying to force you into a?—”
“Shut up.” Kovan cups my face in his hands. “Say it again.”
