Love Me Nots (Jasper Falls 3)

His mouth went dry when he saw what she was wearing. The off-the-shoulder lace dress contrasted against her skin and fit like a glove, hugging every voluptuous swell and dip. He noticed her feet. Heels. What was going on?

“Perrin, why are you here?”

She looked at him then shyly glanced away, her mouth pressing into a firm line. He was afraid to touch her.

“I…” Her shoulders shifted with each breath. “I wanted to tell you…”

He waited, holding his breath, not wanting to miss a single word.

She turned and his breath hitched as she climbed onto his lap. His hands shot out to catch her hips and she settled over him, straddling his legs and sealing her mouth to his. Her delicate little tongue darted into his mouth, determined then shy, and his arms closed around her on a moan.

She was sweet seduction in his hands so hot and sexy and wantonly his. Her fingers dragged through his damp hair, and he practically purred like a wild cat, leaning into her stroking hands.

He rolled her to her back, climbing over her on the mattress and deepened the kiss. His mind screamed, what is this? But he’d figure it out later. At the moment, he had everything he wanted.

Did this mean she’d forgiven him? Were they going to try to make this work? So many questions raced through his head, even as all the blood in his body fled to his cock.

“God, I’ve missed you,” he rasped, dragging his mouth down her throat to the swell of her breast.

He tugged the front of her dress low, and a sharp little nipple poked out. His lips closed over the peaked tip and his tongue swirled. Her flesh filled his hand with supple perfection as her knees cradled his hips and hooked him closer.

His other hand traced up her bare thigh, finding her center warm and wet. He teased her panties aside, and stroked softly as she moaned into his ear.

His mouth returned to hers, and he kissed her with purpose, showing her how hungry he was for her, how deep his need went. He hated himself for misleading her. It had never been his intention, but now that she was giving him a second chance, he’d spend eternity making it up to her. He’d be nothing but straightforward with her from here on. Everything would be on the table.

“Do you have a condom?” she rasped, grinding her core against his exploring touch.

They should talk first. As much as he didn’t want to stop, he wanted her to know certain things. “I do, but—”

“Get it.”

He pulled his hands free, and she kissed him, scrambling his mind for a moment. “Perrin, baby, let’s take a second to catch our breath.”

“No.”

He chuckled at her persistence but frowned when she reached for the drawstring of his pants. “Whoa. Hold up a second, baby.”

He eased back, putting some space between them. She lay beneath him in a tumble of white lace, sprawled limbs, and damp tendrils. Her eyes were heavy and wild, and her breasts protruded from the top of the dress like twin treats topped with inviting cherries desperate for tasting. Fuck, he’d never survive her.

He swallowed hard as he got up from the bed. “I think we should talk first.”

She pushed up on her elbows, and her hair brushed softly against her shoulders. “You can have whatever you want. I’m yours.”

He took a step forward then stilled. Too easy. He frowned. “What changed?”

She glanced away, something guilty flashing in her eyes. This wasn’t her.

“Perrin, what is this?”

Her gaze dropped to the rumpled bedspread, and she sat up, her arm modestly covering her bare breasts. “I just… I want you to leave.”

He scowled. “What?”

She met his stare and narrowed her eyes. “You said you weren’t trying to screw me out of my land, just my clothes. I’m giving you exactly what you wanted. You can have me—one night, no strings attached—but you leave in the morning and withdraw your bid.”

Ice doused his veins. He didn’t believe she could be so calculating and cut off. She wanted to fuck her way to closing with the bank? Did she not care about him at all?

Furious and hurt, he ground his teeth until his jaw cracked. “Is that what you want, to get fucked?”

“I want my land.”

Despite his outward calm, he seethed on the inside. He should tell her to get the hell out and curse her for being yet another woman who toyed with his emotions to simply get what she wanted. But he didn’t. Some masochistic part of him shivered at the temptation of pain, swearing it would be better than feeling the reality of his empty life.

“Fine.” He didn’t give her a chance to object. Grabbing her ankle, he jerked her body toward him, and she fell to her back.