“So I’ve been told.”
She choked on a laugh. “You’re such an asshole.”
“You’re deflecting.”
“It’s no big deal. Some douche broke my heart, and I’m done with men. Every guy I’ve ever been with has wanted something from me. Modeling connections, money, my body. You name it. They never just wanted to be with me for me.”
“I’m sorry, but isn’t your body a part of you?”
“You know what I’m saying.”
“I do, but you’re not being fair. Your body is a part of you. You’re stunning. You know that. So what if a guy is attracted to you? I’m attracted to you. Doesn’t mean I’m going to use you.”
“You’re using me as bait right now.”
“To protect you. By drawing out the threat before you’re hurt. It’s not as if I’ve staked you out like a sacrificial goat. I’m right here with you, in case it’s escaped your notice.”
“Oh, I noticed,” she huffed. “I can’t help noticing your colossal ego strutting around half-naked all the time.”
He’d planned to ask for more details about getting her heart broken, but she seemed fixed on him being half-naked. He liked that a lot. “Oh? So youdolike my flannel pajama pants. I knew it.”
“I’d like them better if you wore the shirt that goes with them,” she muttered. “You don’t see me prancing around half-dressed.”
“I can only wish.”
She sipped her tea, glaring at him.
He sipped his as well, smiling back. Man, she was sexy when steamed. Her eyes glowed, her soft lips shone, ripe and ready. And her cheeks turned that rosy shade, darkening her skin.
“Take down your ponytail.”
“What? No.”
He’d been pushed past his ability to stay away from her days ago. Deacon rounded the island and caged her against it. He took the tea from her hands and slowly eased the band from her hair, bemused she didn’t try to fight him.
Then he saw her desire burning bright, saw the rise and fall of her full breasts as she tried to hold onto her anger. He ran his fingers through her silky hair and wondered what the strands would feel like against his belly. Or better yet, his inner thighs.
She licked her lips. “S-stop that.”
He zeroed in on her mouth. “Make me.”
She put her hands on his chest and ignited the sparks flaring inside him. “Deacon?”
That tiny kiss at the restaurant had only whetted his monstrous appetite. Tired of holding back, he leaned in, took her mouth, and indulged.
Solene tensed for a moment, then softened under him. He drew her closer, his hands on her hips. He couldn’t help his erection against her belly or the hunger for her taste.
He deepened the kiss, moaning when she parted her lips. For a man known for his skill at seduction, he’d never felt so out of control. Like his body belonged to her, and he could do no more than follow where she led.
Solene opened her mouth. She licked his lips, penetrated with her tongue. He jerked against her, ready to take himself out and shove up hard and fast inside her. No finesse, no more seduction, just wild, animalistic fucking.
She grabbed him by the neck and yanked him closer. He ground against her, kissing, lost in Solene. Her hands somehow found bare skin, her nails raking his back, trails of heat in their wake.
When her hands circled to his front, he pulled back, panting, and stared down at beauty personified. Why did this woman get to him like no one else ever had?
Her eyes smoldered. “Take off your shirt.”
He ripped his shirt off and groaned when she latched onto his nipple. She teethed and sucked, laving the tight flesh, and he nearly came.
