Page 177 of Vicious Temptation

“Because that’s the way to my place.”

“Or maybe you’re trying to trick me into losing.”

“Fera, the fact that you think everything is a competition is deeply concerning.”

“Sounds like something a loser would say.”

His laugh comes through the speakers again.

I signal and take the exit. The roads grow quieter as we leave the heart of the city behind, and by the time we turn onto his street, neither of us seems interested in winning anymore.

I pull into a parking spot outside his building and kill the engine. A moment later, Thiago’s truck pulls into the space beside mine. The sudden silence feels strange after the constant hum of the road, and I sit there for a second, staring through the windshield.

Then my phone lights up.

Thiago: I won.

I laugh.

Me: In what universe?

Thiago: The one where you still came home with me.

My heart stumbles.

Before I can think of a reply, a knock sounds at my window. I look up to find Thiago standing there with a cheeky grin and a dark curl hanging over the Batman mask still covering the upper half of his face.

The moment I climb out of the car, one arm circles my waist, lifting me effortlessly until my boots leave the ground, and he kisses me.

I’m smiling too much to kiss him properly at first, but neither of us seems to mind. A laugh slips out against his mouth, and he kisses me again, more slowly.

“Hi,” I whisper.

“Hi.”

“I caught you.”

“Seems that way.” I brush the curl back from his forehead. “Now, what was it you said about fucking me like I drive?”

He groans deep in his throat. “I’m more of a show-than-tell kind of guy,” he says, throwing my own words back at me.

Laughter bubbles out of me as I tip my head back, giving him easier access to my neck. “Touché, Officer Braga.”

I’ve never been the type to swoon over muscles or brute strength, but I’d do questionable things for this man simply because he can lift me like I weigh nothing.

He carries me through the parking garage without breaking stride, his grip on me steady as his mouth glides along my neck. Normally, being carried around like this would annoy the shit out of me. I like my feet on the ground and my decisions in my own hands, but with Thiago, giving up a little control doesn’t feel like losing it. Maybe that’s why I can’t stop smiling.

Tonight, I told him what I wanted, raced him through the city, and ended up exactly where I chose to be. In his arms, heading upstairs, happier than I’ve let myself be in a long fucking time.

The realization hits me all at once, and another burst of laughter escapes me before I can stop it. Thiago pauses midstep and looks at me, equal parts amused and confused.

“What’s so funny?”

I lean in and kiss him softly. “You, me, this, us,” I whisper, unable to stop smiling. “Thiago, this is crazy.”

The happiness on his face fades for a second, as though he’s already bracing himself for whatever I’m about to say next.

I cup his face in both hands. “But you know what? I like crazy.”