“I don’t.If anything, I respect you even more.I’m proud as hell of you for standing up against that kind of corruption, especially when you knew it would come at a high personal cost.”
His words hit dead center in that undefended spot deep inside her.“Thank you.”
A warm smile curved his mouth.Her heart tripped all over itself as he stretched a hand toward her.“Come sit back down.”
Craving the safety of that deep connection between them, she sat beside him.Close enough to reach out and stroke her fingertips lightly down his cheek, a wild mix of elation and fear churning inside her.
She was doing this.Taking another leap of faith despite her battle-scarred heart.
She just hoped that this time, she was making the right decision.
“How’s your lip?”she murmured.
His stare was hypnotic.“Sore.”
“Want me to kiss it better?I’ll be gentle.”
“Okay.But not too gentle,” he said in a deep, sexy tone that curled her toes.
Grinning, she swung a thigh across his and straddled his lap.His eyes heated.Darkened as she took his face in her hands and leaned in to kiss him gently.
He grabbed hold of her hips, fingers squeezing as a low sound rumbled up his chest.“Cass.”
“Hmmm?”She brushed her lips across his, her skin tingling all over.
He cupped her jaw.Eased her head back until she met his gaze.His eyes blazed with heat and determination.“Be straight with me.Don’t do this unless you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
“How sure?Because I don’t want you to regret this later.I couldn’t take that.Not with you.”
A sharp pain twinged in her chest.She hated that she’d hurt him by pulling away before.Wanted to make up for it now.“I won’t.Now shh.”Covering his lips with hers, she leaned into his strength and plunged into the unknown.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
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