Mated to the Griffin (Elemental Mates 5)

She felt lightheaded. But she also felt that she was right.

Nothing in her life had ever felt as right as this.

She watched as he leaned forward.

Even now, he was moving slowly enough that she could have moved out of the way if she’d wanted to.

She felt an unexpected surge of tenderness. How was it that the man she’d thought was a monster was so much kinder and more thoughtful than any of the human men who’d claimed to love her?

Then their lips met, and she felt all remaining fears melt away.

It was right. She didn’t understand how or why—but she wanted him, more than she’d ever wanted anything.

His hands cupped her face. Then he buried his fingers in her hair as his tongue explored her mouth. He kissed her so tenderly that she found herself melting into his touch.

Warmth filled her. She felt as if she was drowning in his scent—warm, masculine musk mingled with something that smelled inexplicably like freedom, like the cool, crisp air of rugged mountaintops.

She wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself closer. Desire filled her, hot and sharp, like something coiled tight in her belly.

And when he gently pushed her down, she followed all too willingly, never letting go of him.

He was still hard. She could feel his arousal, hot and firm against her thigh. His mouth was still on hers, the heat of his tongue playing with hers, making her clutch at his shoulders, holding him pressed to her body.

It was everything she’d always thought was a lie. His touch set her body on fire. Her nipples were drawn up tight, aching for a touch, and she could feel wetness drip from her folds.

Her body was ready for him. Her body wanted him, the way she’d never wanted anyone before.

And he wanted her just as much. She had no idea how she knew it, but for some reason, she could feel the same helpless desire thrumming through him when she pressed her hand against his skin.

Maybe it was just the fact that they’d nearly died yesterday. Maybe it was the aftereffects of the adrenaline of being kidnapped and rescued, all in one day.

She wouldn’t know, after all. Her life had been mind-numbingly boring before.

But right now, she didn’t care what had caused this. She was a new person. A woman who was tired of waiting. Someone who took her life into her own hands and grasped with both hands at any chances life gave her.

“Do you want to—” he began, his voice deliciously hoarse.

Chiara didn’t even let him finish the sentence.

“Yes,” she said with determination, her body throbbing with need. “I want you. I want this.”

At her words, his hard arousal gave a jolt against her thigh. His eyes heated, the blue so bright that it felt like she was looking at a brilliant summer sky.

He let go of her for a second, reaching over for the nightstand to rummage through the drawer. After a moment, he pulled back with a frustrated look.

“Shit. There aren’t any—”

“It’s okay,” she said, interrupting him again. “I just want to touch you.”

She felt almost lightheaded with need, and although there was a bit of disappointment—she’d really wanted to feel him—there were other ways to make him feel good.

Right now, she’d take any excuse to get her hands on his body.

She sat up, then boldly pulled off her shirt. As he watched, she reached around to unhook her bra, loving the way his eyes widened.

A second later, he was on her again, his hands reverently cupping her breasts as he kissed her.

That hadn’t been what she’d wanted, she thought dizzily as he pressed her down again.