That’s when I make my move. I lean forward like I’m about to speak, but I don’t stop where I should. Scooting to the edge of my seat, I cup the inside of her thigh and bring my mouth close to her ear.
“Liev.” Her tone has a distinct warning tone, but she turns her head slightly so that the soft skin of her cheek is touching mine. I smell the mint of the gum she was chewing on the way here, and my body tightens with the need to taste her.
But I can’t. That would be too obvious to the others, if they were to turn around. I settle for tightening my grip on her thigh, and she shivers under my touch. The heat between us is undeniable. But I know that even though her body wants mine, and as much as I crave hers, she’s not ready for me to take it as far as I would like.
I plan to use every moment of the next two weeks to build her trust. Then there will be no going back.
“Interesting timing.” I pitch my voice low, my breath ruffling her hair. “All this vibration.”
My lips lift when I see her fingers curl against the armrest as I slide my palm higher.
I lower my voice further. “Makes me curious whether you like that sort of thing.”
Her inhale catches.
“If you’re still open to experimenting, that is,” I add softly.
Her eyes flick to mine, pupils blown wide. Her mouth parts before she can stop it. I watch her throat work as she swallows, pulse fluttering visibly beneath her skin.
The plane accelerates.
As the nose lifts, I let my fingers brush higher, grazing the seam of her pants until I reach the juncture of her thighs. My touch is light, frankly I doubt she can really feel it through the fabric but just as the ground drops away, I press firmly against her heat. Before the tiny sound of pleasure has completely left her mouth, I pull back.
Unfocused hazel eyes blink at me. Unfocused butunafraideyes.
I straighten slightly, satisfaction curling hot and tight in my gut. Too hot. I’m painfully aware of how hard I’m getting, of how little room there is to hide it if anyone walks back here.
I need to stop.
Her gaze clears and drops to the obvious bulge in my pants before narrowing.
“You know two can play at this game, don’t you?”
God, I fucking hope so.
Her lips press together, then she turns her attention out the small window before looking back at me.
“We can’t do this while we’re working.”
Agree to disagree.
I hold her gaze a beat longer than necessary, then lean back into my seat, severing the tension. I spread my hands on my thighs, forcing control back into my body.
“You’re right,” I say easily, like the moment never happened. Like I’m not seconds from saying fuck it and pulling her into my lap. “Two hours to New York.”
I give her a relaxed smile. “You should send that email.” Then I close my eyes and think of every foul thing I can until my body is back under control.
15
SERA
The first day in New York is easier than I expected. After Liev turned me into a horny, breathless mess on the plane, he pivoted back into full professional mode with a precision that was almost jarring. I might have to kill him.
There are no more lingering looks, or accidental brushes. It’s equally reassuring and confusing.
I want to do a good job. Ineedto. To prove to my brother that I’m not a breakable piece of glass.
Yet part of my brain keeps circling back to what it will feel like if I keep experimenting with Liev. What if I say yes to what I think he’s promising? He’s never mentioned wanting more.
