Simply Sinful (Simply 1)

The crowds rushed past them, unconcerned with anything except finding warmth. Kane understood that need. He ran his hands up and down her arms and a light tremor shook her.

One step and he’d backed her against a dark brick building. Desire rushed through him the moment his body came into contact with hers.

“Kane?”

He looked into questioning eyes and had no answers. None he could reveal to her and, worse, none he understood himself. Which suited him fine. He didn’t need to understand; he needed to feel. Her lips on his, her body, slick and wet, molding around his cock, producing friction so intense it was unbearable. Not that he’d let things get that far, or if the informant was right, Kayla wouldn’t, either, not without payment.

But looking into those trusting eyes, he damn well knew if she called a stop tonight, it would have nothing to do with money. This woman was no prostitute, but he needed proof and to get it, he had to carry things through. One sampling of those full lips and he could attempt to close the deal. Once she backed off, he’d make some excuse and take her home. A cold shower waited for him, and then he’d file his report and forget all about Miss Kayla Luck.

He tightened his grip on her arms. She didn’t protest, not when he pulled her toward him and not when his lips came down hard on hers. Her mouth was warm and welcoming and a hint of sweet wine still lingered inside. One taste made him hungry for more than a stolen kiss in a back alley. One sampling set his blood on fire.

The brick wall anchored them and he took advantage, letting his hips grind hard against hers. A sound, half moan, half plea, escaped her throat and desire consumed him.

Kayla leaned her head back against the wall, drawing deep, unsteady breaths. He cupped her chin in his hand and looked into her glazed, green eyes. He wanted her. There it was. The stark truth, he thought. No lies, no deception, no case hanging between them…unless something she did placed it there.

He’d crossed the line and there was no turning back.

He’d never have believed he’d be so tempted to compromise his principles for a woman, never have believed he needed one night so badly. She aroused him beyond sanity, beyond reason, and he needed to possess her, all of her.

He traced the line of her jaw, then held her face between his palms. “I want you.” His voice rasped in her ear, the words vibrating between them.

Her hands reached for his chest, curling into fists against the heavy jacket. “Why?”

Of all possible replies, that one took him by surprise. So did the fact that he knew exactly what to say. “Not because you’re beautiful, even though you are.”

Her cheeks turned a shade deeper than before, and he brushed his thumb over her reddened skin. “And not because your body would tempt a saint, even though it would.” His other hand brushed the underside of her breast, tracing the rounded, full contours hidden beneath the layers of clothes.

She tipped her head to the side. Her face fit perfectly in his hand. “Then why?” she asked.

“Because you’re smart and I respect that, because you’re gutsy and I admire that.” Her eyes sparkled, glowing with a life of their own at each word he spoke.

Kane shook his head, unable to believe he was taking everything he’d learned about Kayla in order to make his case, and using it to make her his instead.

One night. With every second that passed, he needed that more and more. The light in her eyes, the…acceptance, he thought, struggling for the correct word. He needed everything she possessed. After taking it, he’d deal with how badly he’d betrayed both his job and himself.

“I had fun with you tonight and everything about you intrigues me. Enough?” he asked too harshly.

A satisfied smile caught hold of her lips. He wanted a taste of that satisfaction but refrained for now. “More than enough.” Her arms slipped around his waist.

“I take it that’s a yes.” His heart beat faster at the thought.

“That’s a yes…for the right price,” she said coyly.

He froze in place, then forced a smile. He’d taken her out tonight to bait and trap her. He’d gotten temporarily distracted by a rush of hormones, but it seemed he was about to get what he came for.

He ignored the swell of disappointment that came when he looked into those fraudulent green eyes. “And what would that be, Ms. Luck?”

She touched her icicle-like hands to his face and grinned. “Hot chocolate, Kane.” She smoothed her fingertips over his brow, and her light laughter caught him by surprise. “What did you think I wanted?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but you could show me.”

Her eyes opened wide before she brushed a warm yet hesitant kiss over his lips. Arousal hit as fast as his sense of relief.

Before he could change his mind, he grabbed her hand and started back down the street. His hotel room, the hotel room paid for by the department, was a few blocks away.

He’d face himself and the repercussions of his actions tomorrow.

Tonight was about Kayla.