It sounds like a threat. My heart is thumping in my chest. I could turn around and walk away, and I know he wouldn’t follow me. He’d leave me be and possibly ignore me the rest of my time here until he solves my problem and lets me leave. I almost do it. I almost walk away... again. But something stops me. Maybe it’s the way he’s looking at me like he wants me more than he wants his next breath. Maybe it’s because he makes me feel alive for the first time. I’m not sure, but I know I’m not walking away again.
I take three steps and stop when I’m toe to toe with him. I lift my head, so I’m looking directly into his eyes. “I wasn’t ready for it before, but I am now.”
He’s shaking his head, and I know he’s going to be a good man right now. He’s going to tell me no and turn me away. He doesn’t want to take advantage, but I don’t want to be saved from him. I put my hands on his waist, and his hot skin under my fingertips feels good. I tighten my hold.
His eyes get big, and he looks unsure what he should do. I swallow. “Do you still want me, Knox?”
He doesn’t blink, doesn’t move a muscle, and I barely hear him when he finally answers me. “Yes.”
I nod. “I want you, too.”
He puts his hands on each side of my neck, and he’s shaking his head. “Karina, I’m weak when it comes to you. I should send you to your room and have you lock the door behind you. You’re vulnerable right now... what kind of man would I be—”
“You’re a good man, Knox. I know you are. That’s why I’m here. That’s why all I’ve thought about is being with you. I have never trusted a man before... not to do the things I want you to do to me... with me.”
His head falls, and he rests his forehead to mine. “Fuck, baby, I shouldn’t... Hollywood...”
I slide my hands up his chest, and the more I touch him, the easier this is for me. I’ve always thought I was cold, frigid, but being with Knox proves to me I’m not. I just haven’t met the man I knew I could trust until now. “This has nothing to do with Hollywood. It’s just you and me.” I lean in and put my lips against his chest. I can feel his heart thundering under my mouth. His hands stroke up and down my back, pulling me against him. The feel of his hard body pressed against mine sends a thrill through me. He positions me close to him, lining our bodies up until I can feel the changes in his body pressed against my belly.
“I can’t say no to you, Karina, but I can’t hurt you either,” he whispers to the top of my head.
My heart lurches in my chest. I know there’s nothing that can come of us, but I still don’t want to leave here without giving myself to him. For the first time in my life, I’m not scared. “I know what this is. I know it’s one night. I’m not going to try and trap you into anything more.”
He shakes his head and withdraws enough to hold my gaze. “No, I mean, it’s been a long time for me, baby. You have me burning up for you, and I don’t want to hurt you.”
I shrug. “I know you won’t.”
He tightens his hold on my neck and looks at me intently. “Are you a virgin, Karina?”
My face heats at his question. How do I even answer that? I’ve only been kissed before... nothing else. But if I tell him the truth, is he going to push me away? I can’t lie to him.
“Does it matter?”
He lets out a long breath. “I’m going to take that as a yes.” He kisses me on the forehead, his breath coming out rough. I wait for him to walk away, to tell me he doesn’t want someone inexperienced, and already my heart is breaking in two.
“Are you sure? Are you sure I’m the one you want?” he asks, and I swear he almost sounds in awe.
“Yes, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I don’t know what it is, but when I’m with you, I feel alive for the very first time. Please don’t turn me away, Knox. I need this... I need you.”
He bends down and puts one arm behind my back and the other behind my legs. He carries me through the house, like I weigh nothing at all.
I’m nervous, but nothing is going to make me change my mind. I want this more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.