She stepped closer. “That seems like an oversight on both our parts.”
“A significant oversight.” I looked down at her, loving how close she was. “I’ve been thinking about it since.”
“Have you?” Her voice had gone soft, almost teasing.
“Extensively.” I cupped her face. “Would you like to remedy that now?”
She rose on her toes and pressed her lips to mine.
The kiss started gentle, almost tentative. A question rather than a demand. But the moment our mouths met, heat ignited between us.
Sasha made a small sound in the back of her throat, and I was lost.
I deepened the kiss, tilting her head for better access. She responded with enthusiasm that thrilled through me, gripping my tunic and pulling me closer.
This wasn’t the polite kiss of a political arrangement. This was heat and desire and genuine wanting.
I backed her against the wall between our doors, pressing close enough to feel every curve of her body against mine. She tasted like wine and something sweet, and I couldn’t get enough.
She trailed her fingers across my abdomen, sending fire through my veins. I groaned into her mouth, lost in need.
We kissed like we’d been holding back for years rather than days. Desperate, hungry, completely consumed by each other.
When I finally pulled back for air, desire shone in her eyes. She ran her tongue across her swollen lips, and my groan ripped out. She looked absolutely beautiful and thoroughly kissed, and I wanted to keep going.
But we were moving fast. I could lose myself completely if we didn’t stop.
“Sasha,” I said, my voice rough. “We should slow down. Maybe.” I forced myself to step back, putting space betweenus before I did something we might regret. “I don’t want to rush you.”
Understanding flickered through her eyes, followed by what could be disappointment. “You’re being responsible.”
“I’m trying to.” Though every part of me screamed to tug her back into my arms and forget all about responsibility. “You’re important to me. I want to do this right.”
Her smile rose. “That’s very sweet.”
“Sweet wasn’t exactly what I was going for.”
“No?” She stroked my jaw. “What were you going for?”
“Respectful. Honorable. Not like my father.”
“Dominic.” Her expression turned serious. “Wanting someone doesn’t make you him. He chose momentary pleasure over his commitments. That’s completely different from what’s happening here.”
“Is it?”
“Yes.” She stood on her toes, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. “Because you’re thinking about me, about what I need. You’re not just taking what you want.”
The words settled the unease in my chest, though doubts still lingered.
“Goodnight,” she said, backing away, reaching for her door handle.
“Goodnight.”
She slipped into her room and closed the door behind her. I did the same, slumping against the back of the inside of my door. My body thrummed with desire and my mind raced.
Our kiss was extraordinary. Intense and real and nothing like the performative charm I usually used to hide. Sasha had met me with equal passion, showing me a side of herself she kept from everyone else.
I turned, pressing my forehead against the wood, willing my racing heart to slow.
