Page 139 of Forbidden Fate

I swallow. “I want a different life.”

She looks at my mouth. “Do you?”

“Yes.”

“What kind?”

“Honest.”

She smiles then. “Oh, Cruz.” She shakes her head. “You think honesty is anything special?”

I say nothing.

She lifts a hand and touches my cheek.

Just like she did the first day.

I should step away.

I don’t.

“You are not the boy you were a year ago,” she says.

“I know.”

“He’s gone forever.” She slides her fingers along my jaw.

I feel the touch everywhere. I mean everywhere.

“You’re stronger now,” she whispers. “Useful.” She brushes her thumb over my lower lip.

No woman has ever touched me like this except Adriana.

No woman has wanted me this way.

Or does she want me? I don’t even know.

“You’re confused,” she says.

“I’m not.”

“You are. You think guilt means you should run.” She slides her hand down my chest.

I catch her wrist. “Adriana.”

Her eyes darken. She steps closer, pressing my hand between her wrist and her body. “You want to leave?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“Then leave.”

The words shock me. “What?”

“Walk out.” She tilts her head toward the door. “If that’s what you want.”

I look at the door. It’s ten steps away. Maybe twelve. I could leave.

Then she slides her other hand to the back of my neck. “But before you do, tell me something.” Her face is inches from mine. “Have you ever been touched by a woman because she wanted to touch you?”