Page 76 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

I spin to face him and tilt my head. “Yes.”

His golden eyes search mine. “Don’t you feel lonely living in your own world?”

“Don’t you feel powerless living in other people’s?” I whisper.

He pushes a stray strand of hair from my face. It’s a gentle, caring gesture, so unexpected. I move toward his heat, shivering as his body connects with mine. His hands remain on the bridge as he angles his face down. His fierce, golden, glowing gaze studies me. I bite my bottom lip.

I’m procrastinating—again.

His gaze falls to my lips, and my heart skips a few beats. He enfolds me in his arms, pulls me flush against him, and runs his thumb over my bottom lip, dragging it free from my teeth.

“Stop biting your lip, Natia. Or I’ll bite it for you—hard,” he rasps.

I don’t comprehend his words until it’s too late. “I’ll take that as an invitation to take the kiss you owe me,” he mumbles, grasping my chin between his fingers and claiming my lips in a gentle but firm kiss. He runs his velvety tongue over my bottom lip, coaxing me to open for him. Catching his lower lip between my teeth, I nibble it. In response, a low, needy sound rumbles from his throat. Wrapping my hands around his neck, I tug his head closer.

Fingers skim over the naked skin between my sweater and skirt, making me gasp. He uses my surprise to push his tongue past my lips and glide it against mine. A small moan escapes me as he caresses my spine. The kiss turns fierce, possessive. My back arches, pushing my breasts against him. He bites my lip, pulling it between his teeth, then gently swipes his tongue against the sting.

Powerful arms grasp my thighs. He perches me on the handrail of the bridge, pushes to stand between my legs, and lets go of my back.

“Archan,” I gasp, wrapping my arms and legs around him. A guttural growl vibrates against my chest as my core presses against him. He pulls his face away a little at a time, making me chase his lips to maintain the kiss. Squeezing my thighs, I trap him and grasp his hair to drag his head back to me. I devour him, demanding everything. His touch skims my ribs before he tests the weight of my breasts in his palms and rolls my nipples through the lace of my bra. He swallows my moan as sparks ignite inside of me; an explosion of adrenaline and excitement makes me feel lightheaded and giddy. A pleasurable sting erupts on my scalp as he tangles his hand in my hair and nips at my quickening pulse, diverting blood to the sensitive spot.

“That hot, deep throbbing between your legs that I put there? It needs release. I can give it to you…” he rasps, pushing himself against me, giving me glorious friction.

I’m so lost in sensations that I jolt when the water splashes next to us. Breaking the kiss, I lean back to see two fish throwing themselves above the water.

A nervous bubble of laughter leaves my lips. “Guess they’re not always peaceful.” Spell broken, I let go of his neck and hold onto his forearms for balance. He slides me against his body to the ground. Daring to look at him, I find his eyes full of need, desire, and disbelief. His usual wicked façade is absent—he looks real, vulnerable. I blink. That’s a little heavy for the quick and dirty fuck he’s looking for.

His eyelids fall, the fan of long eyelashes splaying across his smooth skin. He takes my hand, kissing each fingertip before nipping the final one, making me squeal. “Come, you need to see the last part.”

Curiosity is a weakness of mine, but not being a cat, I consider myself not in danger, so I follow him. I unconsciously touch my sensitive, swollen lips; he smirks at me, making me yank my hand away.

There’s the Archan I know.

Walking in silence, I roam my gaze over every aspect of the scenery, studying the trees and statues that look like mini pagodas. He slows, indulging me as I wander from the path to skim my hand over the various bushes. I pause to stroke a flower open to admire its yellow center and deep pink petals.

The sound of rushing water beckons me down a small path. Moisture tickles my lips as I walk through tall bushes and enter a small oasis. A backlit waterfall sparkles like an iridescent curtain. Finding a path leading behind the waterfall, I almost squeal in delight. The mist encircles me, dampening my skin. Archan follows, and we sit on a bench in a small cave, gazing through the cascading water. The hypnotizing sound calms my mind from the kiss.

This date is dangerous. Being alone with him is dangerous. Going to the restaurant with people, sooner rather than later, is safest.

I stand. “Okay, I’m hungry. Lead the way.”

He gives me a forced smile. “Your wish is my command.”

I let him take my hand. In my excitement, I’d hopped, skipped, and jumped across slippery wet stones in stiletto boots. We take a different route back, but it’s no less beautiful.

Settled in the car, I turn to him. “Thank you… That was wonderful.”

His lips quirk in a small, genuine smile. “Which part did you like the most?”

Smug asshole.

We head back toward the city. “What restaurant are we going to?”

“An exclusive one.”

I roll my eyes.

Ten minutes later, we pull into a parking lot surrounded by gourmet supermarkets. “Are we stopping to do your shopping?” I ask incredulously. He’s already out of the car and opening my door.

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