“You’re too young for me,” he said, ticking a finger.
“I’m a fully-grown adult—”
“You want out of my world,” he continued, ignoring my protest, “and I want that for you too. You don’t belong in this world of death and drugs and trafficking. You deserve better.”
“I was born into this world, just like you were,” I said, arching an eyebrow. “And if I leave, I’ll do it on my terms.”
“Of course, you will. That’s what I want you to do.”
“Go on. You were on a roll. What else?”
His lips twitched.
“Don’t youdarecall me cute again,” I said, knowing that’s what he was thinking. “What else?”
“Being with me is dangerous,” he said, tilting his head as his tone turned serious. “Anyone I have feelings for is a target, and I’d never put you in that position.”
I swallowed thickly, taken by his tone when he’d said the wordfeelings.
“Is that all?” I asked.
Releasing a breath, he nodded. “Yes. Those are all very important reasons why this can’t happen.”
“Mmm.” I flattened my lips as I pondered. “I can see you’ve thought about this.”
“I have. It’s hard to do what you know is right sometimes, but that’s what I’m trying to do.”
“That’s very valiant of you.” Reaching for the bottom of my tank top, I gripped the hem and drew it off before throwing it on the couch.
“Alexis...” he warned.
Locking my gaze with his, I reached behind my back and unclasped my bra. I pulled it off, hearing his quick gasp as my breasts hung free. My nipples puckered in the open air, and my pulse thickened at the hunger that sparked in his deep brown eyes.
I slowly approached him, gliding my arms around his waist and pressing my breasts against his bare chest. He inhaled a sharp breath as his hands cupped my shoulders.
“Alexis...”
“Cutting me off is not the right way to protect me, or whatever you’re trying to do,” I said, gliding my palms up his chest before twining my fingers behind his neck. “We do have obstacles to face;I won’t argue that.” I dug my nails into his neck, thrilled when he hissed in reaction. “But I’m not going to let you push me away.”
His hands slid up my neck, his fingers threading in my hair as he tilted my head. Pressing his forehead to mine, he gazed into my eyes. “I can’t give you the future you deserve, princess. Don’t make me the asshole. I want to do right by you.”
“Then don’tbethe asshole,” I said, grinning as I nudged his nose with mine. “We almost died, Nick. Life is so fucking precious, and we might not have a future. Who knows?”
His eyes darted between mine as he remained silent.
“One lesson I learned from the past few months is to savor the moment and not squander happiness when it comes your way.” Rising to my toes, I brushed his lips with mine. “You make me happy. Well, when you’re not ignoring me.”
He breathed a laugh. “You make me so damn happy,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “And that makes me feel like a selfish jerk.”
“Why?” My nails caressed his nape as our hearts beat in tandem beneath our warm skin. “We both know what it’s like to be lonely. Maybe it’s time we learn the opposite of that. Maybe that’s why the universe threw us together.”
“You’re so young,” he said, indecision lacing his features. “I want you to wait for someone who’s a better fit. Someone outside of our world.”
“No, you don’t,” I said, feeling his rapidly-hardening cock against my abdomen and the way his heart pounded against mine.
His fingers tightened in my hair. “Your first time should be with someone meaningful, sweetheart,” he rasped, his lips brushing mine in a feather-soft kiss.
“I know.” I pushed against his erection. “Why do you think I came here? I’m not asking to play Uno.”
