Page 204 of Devil's Bargain

“Tell me? Do you come to this fine establishment often?”

I play along. “Every now and then. The cuisine is to die for!”

He hums, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Tell me something about you, April.”

I chew my lip in thought. “George gave me a job after I wheeled myself behind the bar and started serving customers. He poked his head out and said, ‘You’re hired. Nancy, give the lovely girl an apron!’ I’ve loved every minute of working there.”

His eyes search my face before flicking down to my lips.

I duck my head. “Your turn.”

“I want to kiss you!”

I lift my gaze. My heart is hammering a staccato beat in my chest. “Okay.”

His lips twitch. My reply amused him. “Alright then.” He shifts on the couch. “Is this okay?”

I nod, holding my breath.

He cups my jaw. His touch is both eager and hesitant, like he isn’t sure if it’s welcome or not. “I’ve dreamed of this moment so many times.”

“You have?” My eyes are glued to his lips.

He wets them. “Yes...”

I lean in first, pressing my lips against his. They’re soft, and his stubble scratches my chin. “Rick...” I whisper, clutching his navy shirt.

He slides his hand into my hair and deepens the kiss, tasting me with soft sweeps of his tongue. It’s different this time. I have no barriers holding me back from loving him. No Devil’s bargain.

He moves back, but I smile and pull him in for another kiss.

“I don’t want to rush things,” he whispers, breaking away.

“It’s okay!” I kiss him again.

He lifts me on top of him, his lips burning a hot path over my skin. His hands are everywhere, cradling my face and stroking my hair. “April!” he whispers, nudging my jaw with his nose so he can trail kisses down my neck. “Fuck, April!”

I moan, grabbing hold of the edge of the couch so I can lift my hips and grind against him. I don’t get the full stimulation like I used to, but I haven’t lost all sensation. His deep groan sends my heart soaring.

“Fuck, babe! I don’t want to rush things between us. I want you to be comfortable!”

I shut him up with another kiss. I’ve never wanted anything more! This moment right here. Right now…

He seems unsure. His touch is hesitant but urgent. I don’t like that he touches me as if I’m a porcelain doll who might crack. My needs haven’t changed. I try to communicate this through my kisses, but he handles me like a virgin, so I grab his lapels and whisper against his lips, “I’m not going to break, Rick!”

He swallows thickly, searching my eyes. “I left, April. I hurt you! I don’t want you to think I’m here to fuck and run.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my forehead against his. “I need you! Please, if you love me, make me yours!” Big words…

Love.

“Babe,” he whispers, tasting my lips. “God!”

Kiss.

“Fuck! I need you too!” His lips descend on my neck, and he slides my straps off my shoulders as he kisses a path over my sensitive skin. “Is this okay?” he asks, pushing my dress down past my breasts. He cups one, kneading the soft flesh.

“It’s more than okay!” I moan, arching my back.

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