Page 104 of Temporary Vows

He smirks. “Not sure you’re ready for this, Lamb.”

I laugh. “It’s cake and spices. What’s there to be ready for?”

“The next-level taste.”

I straighten. “Try me.”

His eyes settle on me, slow and intent, like he’s intrigued and trying to decide what to do with that interest. “Alright… but I’ll give it to you.”

He looks me over once more, slower this time, before he reaches for his fork. He cuts off a small piece, then extends the fork toward me.

I stiffen, suddenly realizing a second too late what he intends to do.

I go still.

“You’re going to feed me?” The words tumble out before I can stop them.

His attention dips to my mouth, something deeper shifting in his expression. “Open your mouth.”

The command in his voice sends unexpected heat curling low in my body, awakening something in me I’m not ready for.

I open my mouth and lean closer. He places the cake in my mouth, and for a second, it’s all sweet and indulgent, like the slice I’d been eating. But then a subtle heat blooms at the back of my tongue, warm and completely unexpected. It spreads steadily until it settles into a delicious lingering burn.

Chili.

The spice was chili, and holy hell, mixed with the sweetness of everything else, it has a sensual, exotic flavor.

I close my eyes, and a mindless moan slips from me. The cake was already fantastic, but this…

It’s mind-blowing.

I open my eyes to tell him exactly that, but my heart stumbles when I meet his heated gaze.

He’s fixed on my mouth, watching my reaction, like he wants to see exactly what it does to me.

His eyes move back to mine, sharper now, his attention locking on me.

“What?” I mutter, my voice just above a whisper.

“Nothing. I just like the sounds you make.”

The words settle in my body, and suddenly, I’m very aware of how close he is.

“I didn’t mean to…” I stutter, blinking.

His gaze doesn’t waver. “Maybe I want to hear it again.”

My lungs lock, and I stare back at him stunned. Part of me wonders if I heard him right. But I know I did. And for my own sanity, it might be best if I end things here. Leave before I have more to worry about than what kissing him does to me.

“That… might not be a good idea,” I breathe, but I don’t move away.

The corner of his mouth lifts, faint and knowing. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not asking.”

I’m vaguely aware of his fork clattering onto the counter, then, with the grace of a jungle cat, he walks around the counter, gazing down at me with a sinful smile. He stops a breath away. Too close. Far too close. His eyes rivet to mine, locking me there, and damn it, even if I wanted to, I can’t look away.

For a second, neither of us moves. I don’t know if Icouldmove.

His hand lifts, and he presses his fingers against my chin, tilting it up. The unsteady breath I manage to inhale is too thin, and a wave of dizziness washes over me.