The sandpaper feeling of it reminded her of the time Leo had done the same to her body. God, just thinking about this being possible had her brain hurting. The urge to run was still inside her, but then what would happen next?
The hair on her arms and the back of her neck stood at attention again, and she felt a powerful jolt go through her. A large, human hand cupped her cheek, and she opened her eyes. Leo’s beautiful, masculine face was right in front of hers; blue eyes that had only looked upon her with care and gentleness stared back at her. This time, those intense blue pools appeared worried as they searched her face.
“Say something.” He spoke softly, as if he thought he’d spook her. She snorted inside, knowing she was far from being spooked. She was downright scared shitless by what she had just seen and how she felt.
Here was a very naked Leo, his body so strong he could destroy anything in his path, yet the way he held himself and his softly spoken words made him look and sound so vulnerable.
“I don’t know what to say, how to feel.” Tatum shook her head, feeling tears of confusion rise up. The fact that she could have cried at that moment didn’t make sense to her. All she had ever known seemed so inconsequential at this moment. All her worries and problems were meager in comparison to this man who had changed forms, changed species, right in front of her.
His thumb brushed the spot below her eye as the crease between his brows intensified at her silence. “I didn’t mean to frighten you, but I didn’t know how to tell you what I really am.”
“You could have just come out and told me, you know, over coffee or something.” She tried to tease when she felt anything but humor.
His eyes searched her face again, but he didn’t smile. Clearly, he didn’t find any humor in this situation either. “Somehow, I don’t think you would have believed me any other way.”
Closing her eyes, Tatum rested her head back on the door and inhaled deeply. “I don’t even know how to accept this.” The feel of him stroking her face with his thumb had a lulling effect on her. His uncanny ability to calm her nerves when she felt frantic inside had her opening her eyes and looking at him. “What is happening?” She didn’t need to elaborate on what she meant. The look on his face told her he knew she wasn’t talking about the situation in general, but the connection and chemistry between them. Of course his transformation act played a big part in it all.
He moved in closer, and his body heat wrapped around her like a thick blanket. “For me, there is no one else, Tatum.” His lips pressed to hers. “No. One. Else.”
The finality in his words twisted her heart and stomach.
The fact that he kissed her, after what she just witnessed, should have had her shoving him back and demanding to be let go. Of course she did none of that. Maybe it was stupidity, or maybe it was shock, but either way, she stayed right there, letting Leo pepper her with kisses.
The tears fell down her cheeks, and he kissed them away. His tongue laved at her flesh, the act having her cry harder as her emotions bombarded her.
“I’m not just human, but I am a man, Tatum. A man who wants whatever you’re willing to give.” He pulled back to look her in the eyes. “You’re mine, Tatum. I just want you to say you’ll be there with me, wherever this takes us.” The earnestness in his eyes undid her. This was a crazy, messed up, and unbelievable situation, but at that moment, all she could think about was the reason she had come here to begin with. Slamming her mouth on his, she poured all her feelings into that kiss.
Fear. Pain. Arousal. Everything rushed out of her in a torrent of actions.
“This is so fast,” she said between kisses. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her onto his lap. Her legs straddled his waist, and she pressed every inch against him.
It seemed she couldn’t keep her hands off him.16“I know.” Those two words came from him with all the heat she felt. At least they were on the same page.
Their lips meshed together again, their tongues sliding back and forth between their mouths. The taste of him exploded against her tongue, and she wanted more of it. He started unbuttoning her shirt with sure, quick moves. When the offending material was tossed aside, his hands molded to her lace-covered breasts.
“I love how you fill my hands.” Breaking the kiss, he started trailing his lips down her neck. The drag and pull of his tongue on her sensitive flesh sent chills racing across her limbs. He moved his hands down to grip her hips. She didn’t feel anything but being desperately wanted at that moment. Fingers curled into her body. “I love… everything about you.” Suddenly, he shoved her skirt up her thighs and over her hips. Her panties were ripped away, and she watched in stunned arousal as he brought the tattered remains of her panties to his nose and inhaled deeply.