Page 80 of Moonlit Temptation

“If there's something you want to ask me, ask me, yeah? Because this thing between us is serious to me. I wasn't off fucking around on you or anything like that.”

My shoulders sink. “I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry.”

He nods, his thumb brushing across the sensitive skin of my wrist in a gentle caress. “It's fine.”

I glance away, resisting the urge to flee to the other side of the kitchen. I didn't think I was irritated about him just going dark for days so unexpectedly, and I'mnot. Angry or irritated.

But it poked at one of my ever-present childhood wounds.

It's always felt like a cliché to me. Sad little girl who's wealthy parents don't hug her enough. I never wanted to play into that, but that doesn't mean it wasn't true.

My parents didn't hug me. Like ever. Thank god for Nana Jo.

And I guess I didn't realize how that might affect me in a relationship.

Ugh, I'm getting ahead of myself again. I don't really knowwhatto call this thing between us, but there's a part of me that can't help but feel a little guilty.

Because I can't stop thinking about Bane, who I swear is my mystery man's long-lost doppelgänger.

And also that motorcycle ride with Silas. I mean, can you even blame me though?

I clear my throat and absently scan the contents of the fridge. “Besides, you're free to do . . . whatever, you know. We never put a label on it or anything.”

His free hand cups my jaw and gently turns my face back to his. His expression is drawn tight, as serious as I've ever seen him. “Let me put a label on it for you then, baby. You're mine, yeah? I don't care what you call me. Your boyfriend, your man, your fucking husband. It's all the same to me, as long as you know I'm yours.”

I blink, my throat dry at his unexpected declaration. My heart flutters inside my chest, like it sprouted delicate wings that it doesn't know how to use yet.

I open my mouth in an attempt to reply, but Nova leans in and swallows my words with his kiss. He doesn't deepen it, pulling back after a few moments. I can feel the heat blooming in my cheeks.

“That work for you?” he asks, his gaze fierce.

I nod, finally finding my voice. “Yes. Now kiss me.”

Nova chuckles, low and rough. “Feeling bossy, are we?”

I push onto my tiptoes, my hand snaking up his chest to grip the fabric of his shirt, and press my lips to his. His lips curl into a smile against mine. It only lasts a second before he takes control of the kiss.

He tastes like moonlight and dark promises, and I'm lost to it.

He steps into me, and I shuffle back a step, the cool fridge at my back. It's the perfect contradiction to the heat coming off Nova. I let myself get lost in the tangle of our tongues and the way he angles my head to deepen our connection.

All too soon, he pulls away. He leans his forehead against mine and murmurs, “If I don't stop now, I'm going to forget I planned something for us and throw you over my shoulder and carry you upstairs instead.”

My eyes are slow to open, the haze of lust thick around us. “If you're trying to dissuade me, it's not working.”

He steps back, tugging me away from the fridge with his hand still holding onto my wrist. “You didn't happen to find a cooler in here the other day, did you?”

My brows fly to my hairline, my curiosity piqued. “Yeah, I found a couple of them. And a thermal one too.” I glance at the bag of fries behind him on the counter.

“Tell me where it is, and I'll grab it.”

I tilt my head to the side and look at him. Excitement swirls inside my belly, splashes of anticipation licking up my spine. “What are you up to? And do I need to change?”

He surveys me slowly, running the pad of his thumb over his lower lip. My skin burns as if he's touched me, and he seems to take forever until his gaze hits mine again.

“You're perfect, sweetheart,” he rasps.

My heart flutters at his words, and I can't help but feel like I'm falling deeper and deeper into him. I watch as he strides across the kitchen, his body radiating confidence and power.

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