Page 17 of Lenkov

“Because I was tired of being the good girl who always did what she was told, and I knew there had to be more than the sloppy kisses and uninspired groping. I wanted to experience what everyone was always talking about. And then you walked in like a dark prince from my naughtiest dream.”

“And did I live up to the hype?” He smiles wickedly, and I laugh despite myself.

“What do you think?”

“I think once is a fluke. But twice is a pattern.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have that data.”

“But we could.” He moves forward, invading my personal bubble, and flooding my senses with his warmth and the cinnamon and cloves scent that clings to him.

“Do you think you get to be an asshole and then come to me for what?” I wrinkle my nose. “A booty call?”

“No.” He tucks a curl behind my ear. His finger skims over the shell of my ear, and chills run down my spine. The energy between us builds up like static electricity. “I’m asking you for a chance to show you who I really am.”

“I’m pretty sure you did,” I whisper.

“No.” he shakes his head, never breaking eye contact. “Let me show you. We’re in this together for the long haul. Would it hurt to make it pleasant?”

“It could,” I whisper.

“I won’t let it,” he answers smoothly, running his thumb over my lips. I should stop him, but it’s hard to resist after my dry spell.

“We shouldn’t.”

“Just a kiss.” Leaning in, he caresses my nose with his. His lips tease mine, sliding across the corner of my mouth. “That’s not much.”

He’s the snake in the garden offering me a red apple, and my mouth is watering. My nipples harden and strain against my bra as they grow sensitive. The pulse between my thighs increases. I need friction. All the years of putting off my needs are now catching up with me. I turn my head toward him, and he pounces. Our lips meet, and I melt into him, gripping his shoulders to stay upright as he attacks my lips like oxygen for a drowning man. I dig my nails into his flesh as we tilt our heads this way and that, deepening the tongue tangle. The taste of mint and the after-dinner coffee dance along my tastebuds like a dessert.

He cups my face tenderly, and a moan creeps up my throat. Lungs burning, I pull back, and he lets me go. Breathing heavily, we part, and I meet his low-lidded gaze. It’s like seeing a ghost. This is the same man who made my body come to life for the first time and made me feel cherished and precious.

“Not a fluke,” he says huskily.

I lick my lips. “It doesn’t matter.”

“You don’t believe that, and neither do I.” He smiles. “But I’m a patient man, and I said just a kiss. I know we have other things to talk about. My brother dropped a bomb on us. The Diner is a dicey place for you to be right now. She could ambush or continue watching you from a distance to gather more information.”

“You promised me you’d take care of it.”

“I can send men to watch the area, but it would prove her right.” I hate his gentle tone and the fact that he’s right.

“They deserve a two-week notice.” I challenge his way of thinking, and his forehead dips.

“I’ll supply help until they hire someone new.”

“Money is always the answer for you, isn’t it? This job is years of my life I’m throwing away with no explanation. They’ve done so much for me.” My voice wavers.

He takes my hand. “I won’t lie and tell you this life doesn’t come at a cost. But there are benefits. The girl I met had dreams.”

I look away. I’ve already made enough deals with this devil. “She’s gone.”

He grabs my chin and forces my eyes to meet his. “Yes, and she’s been handling far too much alone. Our son is lucky, but Daddy’s here now.”

Daddy.I like the way the word sounds rolling off his silver tongue.

“And he’s going to ensure his entire family is taken care of.”

“We’ll see.”

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