Warped (Dueling Devils 4)

“I can see it in your eyes that fight that hurt. I knew you’d be able to get me…to handle me. You’re scared. I understand and respect that. Hell, I’m terrified.”

“Then why?”

“Because the other night with you at the clubhouse I felt more alive than I have since the fire. And that’s something I refuse to walk away from.” He trailed his fingers down the side of her face. His fingers going over her scarred skin felt rough. But it took nothing away from the hold he had on her. “So, we can go as slow as you need, but we will go. ‘Cause I’d never forgive myself if we didn’t.”

“I don’t know how.” Her voice shook.

“Fuck, me neither, doll. But we can learn together.”

His words sounded good, but she’d learned actions were everything. “I—I don’t know that I can. There’s so much about me you don’t know.”

“I’ll learn.” He tipped her face up. “And so will you.”

A promise loomed in his eyes. A determination she knew wouldn’t be easily swayed. She licked her lips and fought against his lure. He was a shiny bauble and she was a magpie. He moved in and she glanced up, unable to move away.

“I’m going to kiss you now. You ready for that?”

Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding her head…yes.

Heat rolled off him. The scent of leather, sweat, and oil meshed with his natural musk. He gripped the back of her neck, squeezing it gently. His calloused fingers displayed strength and support at the same time. Their lips brushed. Energy crackled between them.

Streaks of pleasure ran through her body. He pressed their lips together. Her knees went weak. This was different. She wanted to kiss him becau

se she could and he wanted her. His gaze remained trained on hers. Her lids lowered to half-mast and her mouth opened. He slipped his tongue inside and she whimpered. He tasted like mint and something intrinsically him. Spicy, addictive, and mouthwatering, he became the center all her senses focused on. He tilted his head, deepening their kiss. She leaned toward him and he pulled her body flush against his. The unmistakable bulge in his pants made her panties wet. There was no fear or need to pretend here. It became a delicious and decadent feeling she wanted more of.

Their tongues slicked together. A dull ache began in her core. Her heart pounded. She was alive and safe for the very first time in a man’s arms. No, in this man’s arms. Monster spoke to a part of her she didn’t’ recognize. Which makes him dangerous. The thought was sobering. She moved her head to the side and placed her hands on his chest, then pushed gently. Her chest heaved as she sucked down air. “No, we can’t.”

“We already did, babe.”

“Doesn’t mean we have to do it again.”

“You can’t put this genie back in the bottle.”

“Says who?”

Monster chuckled. “Says me. What exists between us is still there.”

She wanted to tell him he was wrong, but it became hard to dispute the facts when her panties were waterlogged and her nipples strained to escape the confines of her bra. She shifted her weight, rubbing her thighs together to provide some friction.

“You know I’d be happy to take care of that for you.”

“No,” she cried out and clamped her legs together.

He squeezed her neck gently. “You sure about that? I bet if I slip my hands in your pants right now, you’d be soaking wet.” His voice lowered.

The husky timbre did funny things to her insides. “I—I’m sure. It’s too much, too fast.”

His jaw clenched.

She flinched.

“Hey, I’m never going to hurt you, Symone. You can take my word on that.” He released her neck and moved around to stroke her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Someone did a real number on you, didn’t they?”

She pressed her lips together.

“You don’t have to tell me right now. I have plenty of secrets myself. But one day, when we’re both ready.” He nodded his head.

How can he be so certain? She'd never been terrified and fascinated at the same time before. She bowed her head and stared down at her black pumps. “I just want to shut down the computer so I can leave.”