One of his hands still spanned her lower back, holding her easily in place. Her lungs compressed as if breathing was too much effort with the tension clogging the air. Slowly, deliberately, he ran a knuckle down the side of her face. Just one soft touch . . . but the look in his eyes. Feral and determined. A wild bolt of elemental fire burned right down her spine.
Everything inside her knew she’d pushed him too far. Yet . . . every nerve inside her sparked from the lightning she’d just unleashed. Intrigue, the most dangerous kind, kept her hands on his shoulders. She wanted this.
A voice of reason tried to interfere with her desire as the wildness between them grew in force.
“One chance,” he ground out, his voice not sounding remotely like him. “Go to bed.”
She knew what he meant. “No.”
He blinked, and his hand somehow heated across her flesh. “I’m not in full control here.”
A warning. Definitely a warning.
“Good.” She lifted her chin, mesmerized by the primitive glint in his eyes.
He released her. “Take off your shirt.”
She glanced toward the bedrooms. “Shouldn’t we—”
“No. Take off your shirt.” His tone lowered and roughened. “Don’t make me tell you again.”
Red-hot desire cut through her, nearly shocking in its intensity. Why? Why would his order, his command, even his determination weaken her knees and throw flutters down her abdomen to her clit? A part of her, one she didn’t trust, wanted to defy him. Just to see what he’d do. This dark side of herself—of him—thrilled her to the edge. The other part had at least a sliver of self-preservation. Yet still. She wouldn’t be so easily tamed. Slowly, deliberately, she reached for the bottom of her shirt and drew it over her head. Then she lifted both eyebrows in the most smart-ass expression she could summon, considering her nipples were obviously diamond hard beneath his sharp gaze.
“See? You don’t need that bra I ruined,” he rumbled, his smirk full of male satisfaction.
Challenge rose in her, heated and strong. “You’re right,” she whispered, grasping her nipples and groaning at the sparks of instant pleasure.
His hands immediately grasped hers and pulled them free. “Oh no, baby. I do the touching.”
Triumph filled her. “If you say so,” she breathed, trying for nonchalant. She didn’t make it.
He shook his head slowly, studying her, satisfaction curving his lips. As if he couldn’t quite believe her daring . . . or his opportunity. “Take off those yoga pants before I rip them off you.”
She was running out of clothes, so she didn’t hesitate. They hit the ground, and she kicked them aside, leaving her in a silky pink thong. She reached for it, and he stopped her.
“No. I like that.” Without preamble, he dropped to his knees and set her ass on the back of the sofa.
Vulnerability swept her as she looked directly at the darkened doorways. Malloy or Tina could come out at any moment. “Denver? We should go to the bedroom,” she whispered.
In answer, he nipped her sex through the silk. His hands caressed down her legs, his strength and gentleness both obvious.
She jumped, her thighs trembling. It was too decadent. “I don’t think—”
He snapped the thong in two, and then his mouth was on her. She leaned back against the sofa, her eyelids fluttering shut. It was more than she could take. He licked and nipped, his fingers joining his mouth and talented tongue. Her legs trembled, and fire flashed through her, but he wouldn’t let her topple over. She kept trying to open her eyes to watch for movement in the doorway, but they kept closing.
His thumb pressed against her clit, and his fingers stroked inside her. She shook, her knees feeling like Jell-O. Sparks of pleasure zipped through her, and she tried to push against him and gain more friction.
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through her core.
She gasped and opened her eyes, the feelings too incredible to stop. “Shhh.” God. What if they woke Malloy?
Denver looked up, his eyes a sizzling blue of intensity. He leaned back. “Worried?”
She shifted her weight, panic and desire smashing into her abdomen. “They could come out.” Her voice was way too breathy.
He smiled then, the sight dangerous. Warning bells clanged fully alive in her head, and she held out her hands. He stood suddenly, and she leaned farther back. “You wanted to play, baby.” Barely ducking his shoulder, he lifted her against his chest, cradling her.
She bit back a yelp and then relaxed in his arms. Good. They were going to the bedroom.
