As soon as the doctor left, exhaustion set in. Scout’s shift would’ve ended hours ago. She had been running nonstop for days and wanted to lie down.
Turning, Lucian said, “Let’s go shopping.”
Scout tried not to wince. Did this man ever stop?
Chapter 7
Just a Kiss
Scout’s shoulders drooped as she wearily accepted her status for the next several days. Everything would be according to the wants and needs of Lucian Patras.
“Evelyn? Is something wrong?”
She sighed. “No. I just . . . I’m still in my uniform. My bag’s still in my locker downstairs. I can’t go shopping until I change.”
He stepped closer and a wicked gleam set into his dark eyes. “I find myself quite fond of your little maid’s uniform.”
His finger reached out slowly and he gently caressed her cheek. Her breath filled her chest and held as his hand moved to her hair and removed a pin from her bun. It landed silently on the plush carpet. He removed another and then another, until her dark auburn hair was tumbling down her back.
Lucian sucked in a breath. “Evelyn, your hair . . . I had no idea it was so long.” His hands lifted the wavy curtain and spread it over her shoulders. “It’s beautiful.”
His feet shifted and he stepped closer. He’d never been this close to her before. Her heart raced. She could see the shadow of hair beneath the tanned skin of his jaw, the fine fleshy line that outlined his full lips, the dark onyx flecks in his chestnut eyes. They were more deep ebony than black or brown.
His eyes appeared softer in that moment. Stunning. He had lashes so thick they were almost feminine. The dark crests gave his visage a pirate’s sharpness as if his piercing eyes were lined with soot, making his penetrating gaze all the more menacing. His tanned skin was smooth. He really was quite striking.
His scent cocooned her, made her slightly light-headed. Scout’s lips parted as his thumb gently traced the plump curve of her lower lip.
“I’m going to kiss you, Evelyn.”
Her pulse jumped as his head lowered. His palm sifted through her hair until he cupped the back of her skull. Chills skittered down her collar and underneath her clothing. A warm pinching sensation tickled her belly. It was like falling; frightening, but slightly more pleasant.
He pulled her into him. His breath coasted over her lips, warm. Barely making contact, his lips brushed over hers and her belly pulled tight. Scout’s thighs suddenly felt oddly disconnected from her numb knees, and then his mouth was on hers.
Her eyes opened wide as his closed. She squeaked, as the kiss grew firm. His other hand trailed below her arm and around her back. He pulled her closer until her front was pressed into his, her breasts crushed against the hard muscle of his chest. Then his mouth opened.
Lucian’s head tilted and the kiss became moist. She tensed as his tongue traced the seam of her slightly parted lips. He nuzzled her cheek and sealed his mouth over hers, his slowly opening and closing coaxingly.
His touch was gentle. Her arms hung lifelessly at her sides as his palm slid possessively low on her back. His teeth closed over her lower lip and her neck extended. Scout gasped and he took full advantage, plunging his warm tongue deep into her mouth.
Stepping forward, as if he intended to walk through her, his grip tightened. He tipped her head back and kissed the corner of her lips. The hand at her back massaged gently. His head tilted and his tongue was back at it again, licking deep into her mouth.
Suddenly, he tickled the roof of her mouth and her own tongue instinctively lifted, dueling with his. He groaned and chuckled.
“That’s it, Evelyn, kiss me back,” his mouth whispered against hers.
The touch of their tongues was warm and soft. They caressed one another, his battling for control. The kiss was more enjoyable if she let him lead. She also figured out that when her eyes were closed it was easier to concentrate. She lowered her lashes and let him take command of the kiss.
Her body heated. Fire churned in her belly and her breath grew shallow and rushed. She had no illusions about her purpose here, but her body’s reaction to him confused and surprised her all the same. Lucian Patras would use her for his own sexual satisfaction. She was perfectly aware of what that would entail. She’d been exposed to the act of sex at a very young age, seeing many adults perform such acts with no regard to privacy or onlooking eyes.
What she was unprepared for were the sensations flooding her blood. Scout never expected her skin to feel so hot, so hungry, her limbs to grow weightless and too heavy at the same time. She was incredibly aware of her hips and the space in between.