I placed my hands against his muscular chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath expensive fabric. "Something that feels like freedom instead of another cage."
He covered my hands with his, the simple touch causing my arousal to ratchet up a notch.
"And I'm freedom to you?"
"Tonight you are." I rose on tiptoe, bringing my mouth close to his. "A beautiful mistake that's all mine."
"I'm not in the habit of being anyone's mistake," he murmured, his breath warm against my lips.
I smiled. "Then be the exception. For me."
When our lips met this time, there was none of the questioning hesitation from the garden.
This kiss was certain, demanding, a claim being staked. His hands moved to my waist, fingers splaying across the silk of my dress, and I arched into him, seeking more contact.
More pressure.
More everything.
He backed me against the wall, one hand tangling in my hair as the other traced the curve of my hip.
I gasped as he deepened the kiss, his tongue meeting mine in a rhythm that sent heat pooling low in my belly.
"Tell me what you want," he said, his voice rough against my ear.
What I wanted.
Such a simple question that no one had bothered to ask me in so long.
Miles had always assumed he knew—what I wanted, what I needed, what I should be.
This stranger was already giving me something my ex never had: the dignity of choice.
"I want to forget," I whispered.
"I want to feel something real."
Something flashed in his eyes—recognition, perhaps, or understanding.
His thumb brushed across my lower lip. "Then let me make you feel."
He kissed me again, harder this time, his body pressing mine into the wall with delicious pressure.
I fumbled with his tie, the silk slipping through my fingers before coming loose.
His jacket followed, dropping to the floor with a soft thud.
"This dress," he murmured, fingers tracing the thin straps, "has been driving me mad since the moment I saw you."
"Then take it off," I challenged.
His smile was slow, predatory. "Not yet."
Instead, his hands slid beneath the hem, fingers skimming up my thighs with deliberate leisure.
I shivered, anticipation building as he explored the sensitive skin at the apex of my thighs, discovering the lace that was already damp with want.
"Already so wet," he murmured, approval coloring his voice.
