Page 148 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“I’m choosing how we celebrate.”

Lucian’s hand lifts to the back of my neck but stops before making contact.

“Choose.”

So I kiss him.

There is nothing tentative about it.

I rise onto my toes and press my mouth to his, taking the first contact for myself.

For one suspended heartbeat, he lets me lead.

Then his arm closes around my waist.

Lucian kisses me with all the hunger he has held behind perfect manners all evening, and I feel the difference immediately.

Not because he is taking.

Because I gave.

The realization sends heat through every part of me.

When I finally pull away, both of us are breathing harder.

Caleb is still watching.

Waiting.

I turn toward him and hold out my hand.

Something changes in his face.

He comes to me.

I catch the lapel of his tuxedo jacket and tug him closer.

“Your turn.”

His hand cups my jaw.

Caleb kisses differently.

Lucian commands even when he waits. Caleb holds himself back as though he is afraid his strength might reveal too much, then loses that restraint the moment I lean into him.

His other hand settles against my bare back.

Warm.

Certain.

I break the kiss long enough to breathe.

Caleb’s forehead rests against mine.

“You’re ours,” he says quietly.

The words should bother me.