Page 58 of Stars in Umbra
Mo went still at her words. His glass paused mid-air.
Emotion flickered in his eyes, unexpected and involuntary, before he masked it. Then he coughed and cleared his throat. ‘Sounds entrancing.’
She took note of his discomfort, her gaze softening. ‘You okay?’
He nodded, his voice a little rougher now. ‘Naam. You just caught me off guard.’
‘I can do that,’ she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.
A lull settled between them. Heavy, laced with a thousand unspoken sentiments.
She set her chalice down and leaned closer. ‘You’re not who I thought you were.’
He locked gazes with her. ‘Same. Didn’t know peacekeepers came with this much fire.’
‘You like fire?’ she asked, her tone a little too soft, a little too suggestive.
‘I worship it,’ he said, the words a promise.
He reclined in his seat, arms spread on the rest behind him, all male energy, showing off his sinewed muscled power, sensuality rolling off him in waves.
‘I see you’re thinking about giving me a chance.’
She choked a little and blinked at him. ‘What?’
His eyes, scorching and gleaming, were dialing up the heat.
‘Woman, I can sense it. You’re craving my dance.’
She scoffed, a quick, defensive sound, but didn’t look at him. ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
He chuckled and bit his lip for a beat. ‘Don’t hide it. You like me.’
Her head snapped up then, her eyes dilating. ‘Is that right?’
‘You know it. I must admit I’m not the kind to rush things, but I find I can’t stop thinking about how good we’ll be together,’ he growled.
Their gazes locked, and he felt the familiar pull, a connection that went beyond simple desire.
She jolted, a raw hunger in her expression, mirroring his own.
‘From the moment we first locked eyes,’ he said, the memory clear as day, ‘I knew I had to have you.’
She flinched at the brazen words, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face.
He pushed away from his seat, moving closer.
‘I don’t like pussy footing,’ he rasped, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘You know I want you, babe.’
Rina turned away, a conflict of emotions warring on her face, trying to maintain the composure of the perfect woman, the one who had her life together.
He took her hand, his thumb tracing the soft skin of her palm.
She let him, staring at him with parted lips.
‘I see you sneaking those looks at me, and woman, I love it. Thing is, I might act all cool and shit, but Rina, I’m all kinds of feverish around you.’
He pulled her closer, his voice a final, sincere confession. ‘So,mi kaya, it’s time we explored what this could be, don’t you think?’
