Page 81 of Sword of Rage
But strength came in different forms.
And Harley was strong. She was a fighter. Just not the kind he was used to. But somehow, someway, just the sort he needed.
Harley
Harley couldn’t figure out why Ackley had that strange look on his face. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine,” he replied, his voice hoarse.
She bit her bottom lip, noticing his potent eyes. An intense yearning filled her. She wanted to know what it felt like to touch his face, to taste his lips against hers, to have his strong hands on her back. No other man had ever sparked such desire in her.
“I should go.” His leg brushed hers.
“Stay.” Horror filled her that she’d just blurted that out loud. While she wanted him to stay, she didn’t want him to think her desperate.
“As a friend?” he asked, his piercing eyes making her feel naked before him. He reached over, taking hold of her hand, lightly touching each of her fingers.
She had no idea how to answer that since she was still sorting through her own feelings on the matter. “Can I ask you a question?” she whispered, focusing on their joined hands.
“Yes.”
“Will you answer honestly?” She peered at his face. The intensity in his eyes made her shiver from head to toe.
“I will on one condition. I get to ask you a question, and you must answer honestly as well.”
“Deal.” Perhaps his question would reveal his feelings for her—if he had any.
“You go first,” he whispered, his soft voice like the lick of a flame at night.
Here, in the loft, the only light came from the lantern next to them, casting the rest of the barn in darkness. “I want to know what you’re thinking right now.” She glanced at their joined hands again, afraid to hear his answer. Afraid to meet his piercing gaze that saw too much. That understood too much.
“I have to be honest?” He squeezed her hand.
“Yes.” The word come out all breathy. Waiting for his answer, her entire body tingled with anticipation.
“I very much want to kiss you.”
She froze, unable to believe he’d said that. She licked her lips and looked into his eyes, a sea of emotions swirling inside them. He was staring at her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Almost as if he wanted her the same way she wanted him.
“Now I’ll ask my question.” He scooted a touch closer, their thighs touching. “Can I kiss you?”
Harley looked at his lips, wondering if she could handle one kiss or if it would leave her greedy for more. She licked her lips again. It would be worth it. A single kiss. She nodded, unable to form a word with him staring at her with hooded eyes.
His face softened, making him appear younger, more innocent somehow. Letting go of her hand, he reached forward, sliding his fingers against her cheek. Her entire body tingled at his touch. His thumb brushed over her lips and she sucked in a breath, not expecting a smoldering fire to flare to life inside of her. He tilted his head, leaning in closer, hovering mere inches from her. Unable to take the anticipation, she shifted forward and kissed him. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of this man before her.
Then he moved his lips over hers, gently caressing her. She parted her lips, inviting him in. His tongue cautiously slid into her mouth. Her hands clutched his hair, holding his head in place as she moved her lips along with his. She shuddered as his mouth slid down the column of her throat, touching her like she’d never been touched before. The heat and power of Ackley overwhelmed her.
His hands slid to her back, pulling her body closer to his. She straddled him, cursing that she had pants on instead of a dress. She pressed her body against his, feeling the hardness in his pants. She wanted him. All of him.
Taking hold of Ackley’s face, she kissed him again, this time trying to express what she felt. What she desired. Not missing a beat, he scooped her up, laying her on her back, his body on top of hers. She reveled in the feel of him on her.
He pulled back, gazing down at her. “What are we doing?”
An excellent question. “Enjoying each other’s company,” she replied, her voice airy.
“It’s good to see you smile.”
“If you want me to keep smiling,” she teased, “then kiss me again.”
