Hands trembling.
Ready.
And wanting.
CHAPTER 35
Ruby
Ilie back on the table, not because I’m brave, not because I’m in control, but because Ican’t not.
Not when he’s looking at me like this. Like I’m all he’s been thinking about for days.
The tinted windows make the room feel unreal, private, smoky, intimate. A place where things happen that no one else needs to know about.
He steps closer, slow enough that the anticipation lifts goosebumps over my skin.
His hands slide up my thighs, warm, strong, sure.
I draw in a sharp breath. My whole body tightens around the sensation.
His thumbs sweep along the inside of my legs, spreading heat everywhere they touch.
He leans over me, not touching yet, just watching my reaction, just letting me feel the weight of his presence above me.
“Ruby,” he whispers, voice low and rough, “look at me.”
I do. Big mistake. Or the best one I’ve ever made.
Because the second our eyes lock, the second he sees the need I can’t hide, his restraint snaps.
His mouth crashes onto mine, deep, claiming, hungry, and I gasp into him, grabbing at his shirt like it’s the only solid thing in the world.
He kisses me like he’s starving. Like the hours we spent apart were too long. Like he can’t get close enough.
His hand slides under my back, lifting me against him. The other moves slowly up my thigh, teasing the edge of my skirt.
My breath breaks.
My hips arch.
His breath hitches, a low, dark sound that sends heat straight through me.
He trails kisses down my throat, slow and hot, and my fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer without meaning to.
“Jaxon,” I whisper.
His mouth pauses against my skin.
“Yes,” he breathes.
“I want..." My voice dissolves into a shaky breath.
He lifts his head. His eyes are molten.
“Tell me.”
“I want you,” I say, barely audible. “I want this.”
