I think I squeak, but I can’t be sure because the moment his mouth touches mine, my brain ceases all activity. Instead, I become highly aware of his scent, which is dark and warm, a mixture of cedar and spice that envelops me with possessiveness.
At first, his lips are soft, as if he’s trying to coax me out of my shell. But when a shuddering breath leaves me, and my hold on his wrist tightens, he gives my mouth a firm, claiming nip.
Intense tingles spread through my entire body, and instinctively, I lift my other hand to the side of his neck.
The kiss grows with urgency, and when Augusto’s tongue thrusts into my mouth, I’m so overwhelmed by the powerful fluttering in my stomach and abdomen, a weird mixture of a gasp and moan escapes me.
As he dominates the kiss, I become breathless until it seems as if I’m floating. Every sensation hits at once as his mouth moves possessively against mine. I feel the power in his body as he holds me tightly to him, and I become addicted to how good he smells.
But even more amazing, an emotion crashes through my chest, and I begin to form a crush on the man I used to fear.
My first crush.
I once read that a crush is a spark that ignites the fire of falling in love, and loving someone is making the promise to never let that fire die.
Augusto slows the kiss, giving the inside of my mouth a sensual lick before he stops. Our lips brush softly as we both catch our breaths, and when I open my eyes, it’s to find him staring at me with a ravenous expression tightening his features.
I loosen my hold on his wrist, and when my palm brushes over the length of his forearm, I feel goose bumps forming on his skin.
Lowering my gaze, I take in the sight as he reacts to my touch.
His voice is hoarse as he asks, “How do you feel?”
Unable to lie after the moment we just shared, I answer, “Nervous. Butterflies. Shy.” I keep looking at his forearm and trailing my fingers over his tattoos. “Excited but scared.”
“That's normal.” His thumb strokes over the line of my jaw. “Look at me, Yuki.”
I swallow hard before I lift my gaze to meet his.
“So, no loveless marriage?” he asks. “Do you agree?”
I nod, realizing my toes barely touch the floor because Augusto is still holding me tightly in his strong arms.
“We’re going to keep getting to know each other while letting the intimate side of things take its natural course. If at any time you feel I’m moving too fast for you, just tell me to slow down.”
“Okay.”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Was your first kiss everything you hoped it would be?”
“It was more intense than I expected.”
His voice drops low and deep again as he asks, “Did you like it?”
Feeling super shy, I nod and let out an awkward chuckle, which turns into a gasp when Augusto ducks his head and crushes his mouth to mine.
This time, he doesn’t start slow but goes straight to hot and hungry. His lips knead mine roughly as his tongue strokes deep and hard with a fierce, dominant intensity.
My head spins, my stomach flutters, and my heart skips more beats.
Oh, wow.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, and Augusto makes a frustrated sound in the back of his throat that sounds a lot like a growl.
When it rings again, he frees my mouth, but the expression on his face tells me he’s far from done as he orders, “Don’t move.”
Letting go of me, he stalks out of the kitchen, looking upset that someone is interrupting us. I slump back against the stove while touching my fingertips to my tingling lips.
So, this is what it feels like when a man looks at you with desire and kisses you as if he can’t get enough?
