Page 54 of Unlocked

He moved.

His hands came up to frame her face, and then his mouth was on hers. Hard. Demanding. Desperate.

Tatum gasped against his lips, and he took advantage, deepening the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, claiming, possessing, and she melted into him despite every reason she shouldn't.

This was a bad idea. This was dangerous. This was⁠—

God, this was good.

She grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer, and he growled low in his throat. His hands slid from her face to her waist, yanking her against him, and she could feel every hard line of his body pressed against hers. He was solid. Warm. Real.

He walked her backward until her legs hit the couch. She sat, and he followed, never breaking the kiss. His hands found the hem of her mesh top, slid underneath, and the feel of his palms against her bare skin made her gasp.

"Tatum," he breathed against her mouth.

"Don't stop," she whispered.

His hands tightened on her waist. He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes dark with desire. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

He kissed her again, slower this time but no less intense. His hands moved up her sides, thumbs brushing the underside of her breasts, and she arched into him.

She wanted this. Wanted him. Had wanted him for longer than she cared to admit.

His mouth moved to her jaw, her neck, finding that spot just below her ear that made her shiver. She tilted her head back, giving him access, and his teeth grazed her skin.

"Oh, god," she moaned.

His hands found the zipper of her pants, and⁠—

Someone knocked on the door.

They both froze.

"Shit," Archer muttered against her neck.

The knock came again. Louder. More insistent.

"It's Ryker. We need to talk. Now."

Archer pulled back, his jaw tight with frustration. He looked at Tatum, and she could see the war in his eyes. The desire. The duty.

Duty won.

"I'll be right back," he said, his voice rough.

He stood, adjusted his shirt, and ran a hand through his hair. Then he crossed to the door and opened it.

Ryker stood there, his expression grim. His eyes flicked to Tatum, then back to Archer.

"We've got a problem," Ryker said.

Archer stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him.

And just like that, the moment was over. Tatum sat on the couch, her heart still racing, her body still humming with unfulfilled desire. What the hell just happened?

She stood on shaky legs and moved to the window, staring out at the city lights. Her reflection stared back at her, glitter still on her cheekbones, makeup smudged, lips swollen from Archer's kiss. She looked thoroughly debauched. She felt thoroughly confused.