Page 40 of The Delta's Rogue
“I’ve told you countlesstimes—I’m not a rogue.”
“And I’ve told you countless times that I’m not pretty. Yet here we are, still calling each other by the nicknames we claim we hate,” I point out, removing my shoes and socks so I don’t track dirt inside.
The tent flap falls closed behind me as I follow her. She spins to face me, and I step closer, cupping her face in my hand.
“Where have you been?” I caress her cheek and tuck her hair behind her ear.
She gestures around us at the tent. “I’ve been right here, waiting for you.”
Leave it to Sarina to evade my question with a joke.
I tug on her earlobe before wrapping my hand around her neck, on top of her red collar. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
She swallows as my thumb strokes her throat, eyelids fluttering briefly. “I’ve been busy.” She peers at me through her lashes, her defiant spark diminishing. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re not in trouble,” I reassure her, placing my other hand around her neck as well. “I’m not mad. I’ve been busy too.”
I missed you.The words linger on the tip of my tongue. I dare not utter them, but my need for her continues to grow even with our distance. Or maybebecauseof the distance. She’s always on my mind. There is a constant awareness of her existence that is almost as tangible as her body beneath my hands.
I press our foreheads together, and my nose brushes hers. We both breathe in and out, eyes closing. My mouth hovers over hers, warmth from her parted lips fanning my face, but neither of us closes the gap to make the first move.
“I missed you.” Sarina tilts her head higher so our lips brush with her words, vocalizing the confession I didn’t dare make.
My throat closes up. I squeeze my eyes tighter, my grip on her growing fiercer, but I don’t reply.
“I didn’t think you’d come,” she admits, her voice softening.
“I wasn’t going to, but I can’t seem to stay away.”
I lower my mouth to hers, savoring the feel of her full lips against mine. Her arms drape around my neck, and I tug her into me by her waist until she’s almost pressed against my body.
Almost. But not quite.
She fights my hold, trying to close the distance between us, but I don’t let her. Not yet. Not until I want it.
Maybe I’ll make her beg for it.
She whimpers and slides her fingertips to the back of my neck, right at the top of my spine, playing with my hair and teasing my skin. Goosebumps travel across my body, and I stifle a shudder and a groan.
“What are you doing to me, Sarina?” I ask against her mouth.
“I think I’m kissing you,” she answers, voice breathy and lips twitching with a silent laugh as her kisses travel from my mouth to my jaw and neck.
“Sarina…” My hands tighten around her waist, and I groan as she teases my neck, sending electricity shooting through my veins. “Don’t go,” I blurt before I can stop myself.
She freezes then moves away from my neck to gaze at me.
Goddess, those doe eyes and those plush, pouty lips may be my undoing.
“I have to, Sebby,” she whispers.
I’ll never admit it to anyone, but that name from her mouth has me ready to fall to my knees in front of her.
“My place isn’t here. My place is out there, helping others. Doing what I can while I can,” she says.
“You could stay, though,” I argue. “I’m sure Wes and Haven would let you join the pack. You could be a member of Crescent Lake and use a transport stone to do your work with your friends.”
Her jaw clenches. “You promised,” she reminds me, voice as soft as the wind through the trees. “You promised you wouldn’t beg me to stay.”
