He slowed his pace by a fraction and pushed open the doors of the restaurant, pulling her beside him.
“That’s better.”
The air was cool, and a drizzle of icy rain was coming down.He marched her to the parking lot.
“I was on my way out.”
“I’m happy to escort you.”
“Hey!I don’t need to be rescued.”
The streetlight cast a yellow light on her face, showing a track of tears.Her mouth was set and her eyes were blazing, an angry storm.
“Fine, consider yourself captured.”He snaked his hand in her curls, tugging her close to him, then he leaned down and sealed his mouth over hers, kissing her with all the angst he felt.Her taste, the feel of her mouth, all of what he’d been craving since the last time he’d kissed her flooded his senses.He brought her so close to him that there was no space between them and with a little sigh, her body softened against his.
But she tore her mouth from his and pushed him away.
“You didn’t text me.”
“I’m sorry,” Ares cupped his palm against her cheek.“You deserve all the texts and calls in the world.I didn’t mean to be the guy that made you wait.”
“But you did.”She had the most adorable pout.He wanted to kiss it away.“I guess I could have messaged you too.”She gave him a small smile and his heart lifted.
“From now on, I’m going to show you exactly how much I want you.How you’re mine.”
“Yeah?”Josie’s face broke out into a grin.
“Yeah.How do you feel about tracking devices?”
“That’s not a normal question,” her lips twitched.
He leaned in, locked eyes with her, and brushed his lips over hers, kissing her gently.“I’m not a normal guy.I’m the kind of guy who has tracking devices at my disposal and bodyguards.Are you good with that?”
Josie laughed.“You’re serious?”
“Yes.I can’t go another second not knowing where you are.I’ve been afraid,” Ares swallowed, hating himself a little for saying it.It sounded weak.
“Of what?”Josie squeezed his hands.
“Of making any demands on you.No other woman has understood my loyalties to my brother.But you said you did.I thought because you were giving me that, I couldn’t ask for more.I didn’t want to stress you out.”
“You could have asked.”
“You’re right.That was foolish of me.”He traced her lips with his finger before kissing her again.Slowly this time, deeper, he twirled his tongue around hers, until she made those soft mewling sounds.
“I still live with my mom.I understand you being loyal to Xander.”
He traced her jawline.“It’s not the same.”
Josie shrugged.“No.I don’t think I can ever understand the bond you have with your brother, but I can respect it.I’m not some helpless damsel in distress.I don’t need you to be my everything.”
“But I want to be your everything.”Ares kissed her cheek, her lips, her brow.
Josie laughed.“I don’t need to be the kind of woman who expects you not to have any other relationships or obligations.Clear?”
“Crystal.I’m happy we’ve communicated.”
“Me too.”
