"That's adorable." I kissed his chest. "Though I'd have wanted you regardless."
I slowly pushed the expensive underwear down. He was perfect—like something carved from marble by an artist who understood exactly what desire looked like.
He kicked them off, then pulled me close. "Shower first? Or—"
"After." My voice came out breathier than intended. "We can shower after."
He turned the water off, took my hand, and led me to the bed. The mattress dipped under our weight as we tumbled together.
The kiss started slow, exploratory. His hands mapped every curve while mine traced the hard planes of muscle across his shoulders and back. Each touch built the heat between us until the air felt electric.
When he finally moved over me, settled between my thighs, I gasped at the rightness of it.
He paused, his eyes searching mine. "Last chance to change your mind."
"Don't you dare stop."
He smiled—that real, genuine smile I was beginning to crave—and began to move.
Slow at first, achingly slow, letting me adjust. His lips trailed fire along my neck as he found a rhythm that had me arching into him.
This man who'd walked into my life as a target.
This man I was supposed to kill.
This man who was making me feel more alive than I'd felt in years.
His name fell from my lips as pleasure built, climbing higher and higher until everything shattered into brilliant, blinding sensation.
He followed moments later, my name a rough prayer on his lips.
We lay tangled together afterward, hearts pounding, breath uneven.
His fingers traced lazy patterns on my shoulder. "Let me stay with you tonight."
The words should have been simple. Instead, they cut straight through me.
Because I was supposed to kill this man. That was my job. My mission. My family's vengeance.
But wrapped in Quentin's arms, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm, I couldn't remember why killing him had ever made sense.
"I’d like that," I whispered into the darkness.
And tried not to think about how many days I had left before everything fell apart.
I closed my eyes and relaxed. Began to drift on a cloud, in a state of semi-consciousness.
"Julia."
Ignoring the voice, I snuggled up to the warm body next to me.Quentin.His scent enveloped me—masculine, warm,ours. I breathed him in, unwilling to let reality intrude just yet.
"Please, no talking," I whispered.
"Julia. Our seats atSakana no Kurawill be ready in ten minutes." Quentin kissed me lightly on the cheek. "We can cancel and order takeout if you'd like."
"No." I stirred and opened my eyes. "After what we just experienced, anything less than sashimi would be a letdown."
"Now you're speaking my language."
