“What about Priscilla-Mae?”
“What about her?” Tommy said, taking off his jacket. “I told you already, my grandfather introduced us because her parents were early investors in Peaksoy. He was hoping we’d make a match. I told him I’m not interested.”
“I bet he took that well.”
“It doesn’t matter how he took it.”
“Itdoesmatter. You’re inheriting Peaksoy. An important man needs a wife who’s—”
“Don’t say it.” Tommy took my chin, holding it. “Thisis the face of Peaksoy, or have you forgotten? I don’t want anyone other than you.”
My lips closed. “What did you tell him?”
“That I’ve always loved you,” he said softly. “That day I cycled down the hill, I thought you were the loveliest girl I’d seen. I was imagining what you’d look like when you smiled, and that made me—”
“Crash your bike?”
“I was clumsier back then.”
“You were reckless,” I said.
“Reckless?” He tickled my ear with his teeth, then started nibbling on my lobe. “I’ll show you reckless.”
“Tommy . . .”
I forgot what I was going to say. My body, ever treacherous, sprang at his touch, and I couldn’t speak even if I wanted to. His lips traced down the side of my neck, landing on the tender box where my voice hummed.
“Rain’s coming down hard,” he said, drawing me deeper under the roof. He pulled its gauzy curtains closed. “We should stay awhile.”
“Mm.”
His hands were on my collar, undoing the buttons. I didn’t stop him. He was a drug, and I couldn’t get enough. Gently he laid me down on the deck, folding his jacket into a pillow under my head.
His mouth touched mine, teasing the intimate line between a caress and a kiss. “Let’s get married,” he whispered.
“What?”
“I’m leaving next week for London. We’ll get married before I go and leave together. What do you say?”
I could feel the caress of his breath on my lips when he spoke. “What about your family?”
“I’ll ask their permission.”
“They won’t give it.”
“Then we’ll elope.” He touched his nose to mine. “I’m not giving you up.”
My ear was ringing, but I ignored the pain. I helped him unbutton the rest of my shirt, freeing his hands so they could roam down. His lips were brushing across my throat, biting softly into my neck. As his hands found my hips, knowing exactly where to touch, I grew heady. It became hard to think.
“We can’t. You’d lose Peaksoy, and that’s everything to you.”
“You’reeverything to me. Say yes.”
“Yes,” I whispered. “Yes.”
“Good.” His hands slid under my waist and rubbed against my back, making heat.
My skin prickled with desire. I had sworn never to fall in love, yet I couldn’t help it. This was the boy who’d made Hong Kong feel like home, who’d found me time and time again when I was lost. I needed him.
