Page 181 of Vicious Temptation

“You sure you want me to?”

I have a sneaking suspicion he’s holding out on me because he’s enjoying this little game just as much as I am.

“Did I stutter?”

He suddenly plants one hand on the mattress and vaults across it. A scream tears out of me as I take off for the door, laughing so hard I lose precious ground while his footsteps close in behind me. I barely make it into the living room before his massive arm circles my waist.

“Wait! I wasn’t ready!”

Thiago plucks me straight off the floor like it’s nothing. And that will never not be sexy.

“Your screams sound suspiciously like surrender.”

“No, that sounds like you’re a cheater.”

“I caught you. Complain about how I did it all you want, but you’re still exactly where I wanted you.”

I’m exactly where I want to be too.

“Enjoy your victory, Batman. It might be the only one you’re getting tonight.”

His mouth curves beneath the mask.

“Keep talking like that, Catwoman. It’ll make the next one even sweeter.” He turns me in his arms and kisses me hard, all tongue and teeth, cutting off whatever I was about to throw back at him. I pull away, then immediately grab the front of his shirt and drag him back to me. He lets me kiss him for half a beat before he breaks away and sets me on my feet.

So I swing at him.

He blocks the punch, and when I come at him with the other hand, he catches that wrist too. “You done?”

“Catwoman doesn’t surrender.” I bring my knee up fast, stopping just short of actually making contact. Thiago jerks his hips back on instinct, his grip loosens, and I wrench one hand free.

“That was dirty,” he says, eyes wide as he laughs.

“I’m a criminal. You expect any less?”

“You’re really committed to this.”

“You’re the one wearing a cape.”

I shove at his chest and manage to get a few feet away, but he catches a fistful of my hair and brings me right back against him. “That is absolutely cheating.”

“Says the woman who just threatened Batman’s balls.”

“I did not threaten them. I reminded you that they exist.”

“And I appreciate your concern.”

I’m still laughing when I turn and find myself backed against the wall with Thiago blocking the easiest path out. This time, I don’t run.

His breathing is heavier from chasing me around the condo, and mine isn’t much better. The cape hangs crooked behind him, his curls are sticking out around the mask, and whatever intimidating effect Batman had going for him at the beginning of this has taken a serious hit.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing as an idea hits me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Coming from you, that look is never nothing, fera.”