“Yes.”
“And?”
He wasn’t going to let it go. He wanted everything, demanded her to face it. Demanded her to be the woman she could be. She took a deep breath, taking in his masculine scent. “Sex … with you.”
His grin could only be described as wolfish.
“So you wanted me to eat you.”
God, that shouldn’t have made her clench. But it did.
“I can’t do this, Romano. I can’t do mindless. I can’t do freefall.”
“Why not? I’m going to be there to catch you.”
“And after? You can’t think I’m going to believe in forever.”
Once more, his smile disappeared and she got the real Romano. “You don’t have to believe in forever. Believe in the fight. I won’t give up … and neither will you.”
He crashed his mouth into hers, and on some silent accord, they still kept their gazes locked. Other than his hands on the back of her neck, their lips were all that touched. Romano claimed her, forcing her mouth open with his tongue and tasting his way over every surface inside. Slick, silken lips slid against hers with precision, fitting them together. He turned her head slightly, deepening the kiss.
She’d never been touched like this. With his mouth alone he proved she’d been missing more than she’d ever known. How did one be claimed with sensuous power? He sucked her tongue into his mouth and bit it, testing the firmness against his teeth, and it sent her desire through the roof. She wanted to feel his teeth on her skin, on her breasts, along her rib cage, between her legs, everywhere.
That dance against a razor-sharp edge.
Kalinda knew he was strong enough to physically break her, rip her to shreds, and something in that strength made her weep with need. No one had ever been strong enough. She’ always had to temper her fire, her rage, her emotions, her words. Every step had to be careful controlled and managed. Head up, shoulders back, walk strong, run her business, maintain her image. She’d never truly let her hair down. But he forced her, ripping any command she thought she had right out of her hands.
Finally, he plunged his fingers into her hair, scattering her carefully placed bobby pins and gripping the strands. Each prick of near pain reminded her of his overwhelming power against hers. She sank into him, letting him lead.
It feels good to let go.
To give in.
To be cared for.
His hand placement allowed for his arms to cage her against his chest and take her weight. She didn’t run away. Instead, she gave him more. Pushing into him, she craved more. Kalinda didn’t realize he was moving them until her legs straightened.
Her feet didn’t touch the floor.
He held her with the strength of his arms, hovering off the floor.
That’s hot.
He broke their kiss. “You’re wearing too many clothes. How much do you like of what you have on?”
She blinked. “Clothes?”
He chuckled. “Good answer. Grip the poster rail above your head.”
Romano maneuvered until one arm was wrapped around her waist so she could reach up and grip the iron rail above his bed.
“You’re so beautiful.”
She could see just enough in the darkened room as he lifted his free hand and partially shifted until he had sharp claws.
“Don’t move,” he ordered.
His claws raked through her top, bra, pants, and underwear like warm butter, leaving her exposed, her breasts full and plump, nipples hard, and her trimmed curls damp. He cupped her hot center, his sharp nails resting against the base.
