Page 48

I break the kiss before I forget myself completely.

She looks up at me.

“What?”

I brush my thumb across her cheek.

“How far have you gone with a man, Madison?”

Her eyes narrow.

“Why?”

“Because I need to know.”

She hesitates, then lifts her chin.

“I haven't. I've never even had a boyfriend, Torch. What did you expect?”

I go still.

“Are you telling me you're a virgin?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

Jesus Christ.

I release her waist and take a step back.

Her expression changes instantly.

“Oh, absolutely not.”

“Madison.”

“Don't.”

“Sweetheart, I'm thirty-nine.”

“Really? I hadn't noticed.”

“And you're twenty-two. You've never been with anyone, and we've known each other for less than a day.”

“So?”

“So I'm trying very fucking hard not to be the asshole who takes advantage of that.”

She plants her hands on her hips.

“Did I look like I was being taken advantage of?”

“No.”

“Then stop acting like you know what I want better than I do.”

I drag a hand down my face.

“This isn't about you being inexperienced.”