“It’s just a strawberry,” I say.
He licks his lips, and without taking his eyes off mine, he leans forward and bites the strawberry, his lips brushing my fingers. Electricity runs down my spine, and I’m sure the wave of wetness between my legs has already soaked through my underwear. If I spontaneously combust right now, I won’t even be surprised.
Fuck me. I’m almost shaking. So much for being in control of this little game.
Just a strawberry. Right.And the Titanic was just a boat.
“Thank you,” he says, leaning back as if what happened didn’t affect him at all.
I might have believed his act, might have thought he wasn’t attracted to me at all, that he didn’t want me, but the obvious bulge in his pants betrays him. Score one for Cora.
I’m so aroused, and knowing that I affect him too... Damn. It’s both thrilling and frustrating. I want to climb him like a tree, but I also want to smack him.
“You’ve got some cream on your lip,” he says.
“Where?” I widen my eyes and take some more cream with my fingers, deciding to play a little more. What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment. “Here?” I smear the cream on my lips. “Oh, oops. I’m so clumsy.”
He takes a deep breath. His cold facade breaks, fissures forming in the ice. I can almost hear it creaking.
I stick out my tongue and lick it all off, maintaining eye contact the whole time. “So delicious,” I purr. “Are you sure you don’t want a taste?”
The tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a knife. We’re both teetering on the edge of something dangerous, exhilarating, and potentially life-changing.
Ryder’s eyes darken, his gaze intensifying. “Cora,” he growls, my name a warning and a plea all at once.
I take a step closer, emboldened by the desire written on his face. “Yes, Ryder?” I ask as if I’m not trying to push every single one of his buttons.
His hands clench at his sides, and the internal struggle plays out on his face. It’s thrilling to watch his legendary control slip.
“We can’t do this,” he says.
“Why not?” I challenge, my heart pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it. “Give me one good reason.”
“We already talked about this. I’m your bodyguard.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not a reason. That’s an occupation. Try again.”
He opens his mouth, then closes it again. For once, he seems at a loss for words.
I press my advantage, stepping even closer. We’re inches apart now. “Face it, Ryder. You want this as much as I do. Why fight it?”
The air between us is electric, charged with desire and unspoken promises. I can tell the moment Ryder’s resolve wavers, his eyes darkening with unmistakable want. My breath catches in my throat as he leans in, his lips just a whisper away from mine.
A loud knock echoes through the suite.
We spring apart, both panting. Ryder’s hand goes to his weapon as he moves toward the door.
“Room service!” a cheery voice calls out.
I let out a frustrated groan. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Eighteen
CORA
Room service keeps arriving, each time bearing more delicacies Valerie has sent. Is she trying to soften me up for our meeting? It won’t make me agree to the snake thing, if that’s what she’s thinking.
I step onto the balcony. The Hawaiian breeze warms my skin, carrying the scent of plumeria and salt. Palm fronds rustle.
