Page 43 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

Sophie

A sharp knock echoes through my apartment door, making my heart jolt.

No one knocks on my door. Not like that.

I walk to the door and peer through the peephole. Even though the angle distorts everything into a fish-eye blur, there’s no mistaking Caleb’s presence.

What does he want?

But there’s no doubt he knows I’m in here.

With a deep sigh, I twist the deadbolt and pull the door open.

He fills the frame with his broader, sharper presence in a way that steals the breath from my lungs.

Lucian isn’t with him.

The realization shocks me, and unease makes my skin prickle.

He sweeps his gaze over me slowly, appreciatively, darker eyes tracing the curve of my hips in the simple black dress.

Where Lucian’s looks always carry that polished, predatory assessment, Caleb’s feel rawer, warmer, like a man who has spent years wanting and is finally letting some of that hunger show. The corner of his mouth lifts, not quite a smile but close enough to send heat blooming low in my belly.

“He was right to want you and insist that we do everything possible to make you ours.”

Part of me wants to reject his possession, but another part—a more treacherous one—flushes with reluctant pleasure.

“You really are perfect for us.”

His shoulders strain the fine fabric of his shirt, and his jaw is shadowed with the faintest stubble. He looks less untouchable and more dangerously human.

“I love a woman in high heels,” he says, voice low, carrying that roughness that always seems to vibrate straight through me.

Appreciation darkens his eyes further, and for the first time, I feel seen by him separately, not just as the woman Lucian claimed first.

I am suddenly, stupidly glad I decided to dress to please them after all. “I thought Derek was picking me up.”

Without waiting for an invitation, Caleb closes the door behind him with a quiet click.

His presence instantly fills my modest living room, making it seem even smaller.

“I was occupied when you visited the office this afternoon…” He takes a step toward me.

Even though I know what’s coming, I don’t step back.

Caleb’s mouth claims mine, deeply, kissing me like a man who has waited in the shadows and is done holding back.

His tongue enters my mouth with rough possession that weakens my knees. And he cups one of my breasts, plumping the soft weight as he squeezes with perfect, deliberate pressure.

His other hand fists gently but possessively in my hair, and he tilts my head back to grant himself deeper access.

Helplessly I moan into his mouth as my body arches into him despite every rational thought screaming that this is too fast, too much, too everything.

How can I be this way with them?

And how can they be okay with sharing me?

The questions spin through the dizzy haze, and he deepens the kiss, stealing my breath until I desperately clutch at his shoulders for balance.