Page 39 of Let Me Love You

It clicks why he moved us. Down here, we’re just two people lost in a crowd.

My heart is in my throat as Victor guides me, and together, we push through the sea of people. Couples and groups of women dance, moving their bodies together. Once we’re in the middle of the crowd, Victor turns around and pulls me closer. My breasts graze against his chest, and I jolt away, putting a little distance between us.

I never should’ve followed him down here. If only Victor was an old, ugly man, I wouldn’t feel so … Shit, I’m tempted. There’s no denying that fact, but it doesn’t matter. What’s important is I don’t cross the line.

Colorful lights flicker to the music, reflecting off his face. I can’t concentrate on anything other than the fact he keeps his hands on my waist as we move together.

Turning around, a woman stumbles into me, and I’m suddenly shoved into him, my ass pressing against him. Big. Mistake. His hard cock presses into me.

“Are you okay?” Victor asks as I’m shell-shocked still in front of him.

I should move away. Put some distance between us. But I don’t. I start dancing again, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the dark atmosphere or the alcohol, or maybe both. What harm can come from letting loose for once?

He had dared me after all.

Victor’s strong arms wrap around me, and he whispers into my ear, “Can I kiss your neck?”

A chill shoots down my spine at the thought of his lips on my skin. I crane my neck to look up at him. His smoldering eyes hold promises I hope he’ll keep. Or don’t hope. Fuck, I’m letting this go too far.

He leans down, still moving to the beat, and says, “I know you aren’t comfortable having sex with me, and I promise that’s okay. But maybe I can make you feel good another way.”

“I—”

My words cut off when he twists me around so I’m facing him. We’re so close our lips almost touch again. His minty breath dances along my face, and I have the sudden urge to taste him. To finally get a real kiss from my husband—something more than that quick peck at the wedding ceremony.

If I give in, maybe it will get him out of my system once and for all.

I wrap my arms around his neck again and push up. He inhales a sharp breath, and I stop before our mouths press together. If I do this now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to pretend I don’t know what it feels like with his lips on mine.

Victor tilts his head so his mouth is back to my ear. “I’m sorry. I overstepped.”

His words spark something inside me. In all the time I’ve known him, I’ve been much too harsh to him. All he’s done was be nice to my daughter and me. Perhaps I can allow us this one night.

I turn my face, and I narrow in on his mouth. His lips look soft yet firm, and I sink into him. He tightens his grip around me as if he’s afraid if he lets me go, I’ll disappear forever.

“You’re studying my mouth again.” Victor pulls back, and I stumble forward. “Can I kiss you?”

This time, I don’t hesitate. I nod and voice my plan, “Let’s get it out of our systems. Tomorrow we can go back to normal.”

Something flickers across his face, but he masks it as soon as it comes. “I’m not someone to just get out of your system, Serenity. I’m your husband.”

Suddenly, a canyon is placed between us as he turns and strides off the dance floor. My stomach quivers as I stand there, watching him walk away from me. This entire time, he’s been giving me every single green light. So, what in the world just happened?

Chapter 18

Victor

What happened between Serenity and me kept me up all night. She desires me. And no, that’s not me being cocky. The way she stared at my mouth like she wanted to devour me … I caught it. But I’d rather never have her in my arms than her try to “get me out of her system.”

I head to the stairs to stop by Serenity’s bedroom, striding through the toy-littered living room, and a small smile curves my mouth upward. Even though Serenity’s reaction to me wasn’t ideal, my home is full and lived in for the first time in my life. And that’s something to celebrate.

My phone buzzes inside my pocket, and I pull it out. Martha’s name is flashing up at me. Unease unfurls in my stomach. She never calls me on her day off.

I answer the call. “Is everything okay?”

She clears her throat. “It depends on your definition of okay.”

Silence descends on the line. “Just spit it out, Martha. You know I hate it when you try to beat around the bush.”