“Emotionally. Physically. Watching men die takes a toll. Nearly dying yourself opens you up. Makes you fucked. Makes you vulnerable.”
“Is that what I am right now?”
“You tell me.”
“I don’t feel vulnerable.” No, I feel stripped bare and burned to a crisp. Emotionally raw and wounded. But not vulnerable. I'm still in control. “Luca, I’m going to do something.”
“What’s that?” He’s so close to me. His mouth inches from mine. His dark eyes draw me in deeper and deeper until I’m dizzy with him.
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“Fiorella—”
“Just don’t move. This is thanks… for what you did.”
I reach behind his head, digging my fingers into his hair, grabbing on tight. Maybe to keep him steady, or maybe to make sure I don’t chicken out.
I know this is dumb. I’m still buzzing on adrenaline and not thinking clearly. But I’ve never wanted someone this badlybefore, and I need a release more than I ever have in my entire life. It’s burning in me, a pressure and an ache, a craving for a man I barely know.
He doesn’t move. His lips part, his pink tongue pressed against straight white teeth.
I lean forward and kiss him.
Chapter 3
Fiorella
He kisses me back, and I throw myself against him.
My knee hurts. Our teeth click together. His tongue slides possessively into my mouth, and I whimper against him, pulse hammering in my chest. This is dumb, this is stupid; I’m making just about every mistake a girl can possibly make over a near-death experience.
And I still don’t care.
He stands abruptly, dragging me to my feet. I gasp for breath and pull back, staring into his face for one brief moment.
“Are you sure?” I ask him, not even positive what I mean.Sure he wants this? Sure this is a good idea?My head’s not working properly, and I don’t know how to fix it, or if I even want to.
He reaches behind me and shoves the papers and a keyboard off his desk. His only reply is another blistering kiss, this one slower but equally intense, a molten river of passion flowing straight into my core. He lifts me up and sits me down, and my legs wrap around his hips as he presses himself against me, mouth devouring mine.
His taste floods me: whiskey, mint, and chewing gum. He smells spicy and musky, a little drying sweat, a little soft cologne. His lips are heaven as they move on mine, his wet tongue sliding along my own, his hands exploring my body.
I’m out of control, and I decide not to hold back. This is happening, and I don’t care if it’s a massive mistake. I’ve never done anything like this before, not so suddenly, not with a total stranger, and if I stop to think about it too much, then I won’t get what I really want.
I pull away for one brief moment and rip my shirt off my head.
His eyes widen in appreciation as he looks at my body.
“You were hiding from me,” he murmurs as he kisses my neck, lips moving down to my breasts. He reaches back and easily unhooks my bra. I let it fall off and toss it onto the floor.
“Less talking.” I grab his hair and yank him toward my face. “More kissing.”
He growls and smirks as he smothers me again. This man kisses like a demon. Like there’s only one way to paradise, and it’s straight through me. I let myself drift into him deeper and deeper, getting carried off on a wave of pure animal lust. My core’s a pulse ofneed need needand I’m so wet it’s obscene. His fist grips my hair and pulls me back roughly before kissing my breasts and sucking my pink, stiff nipples.
God, that feels so good.
I reach forward and start fumbling at his belt. When he tries to help, I slap him away. He grins and yanks my hair in return. I get the belt undone and roughly open his fly, gasping as he pulls harder and crushes my mouth in a blistering kiss. I reach downhis slacks and stroke his cock, my eyes popping open as I feel the full length of him.
He’s huge.
