Page 175

“No. You were correct.” He didn’t move, but the weight of his penetrating stare bore so heavily into her that she eased back until she lie stiffly beneath him on the bed.

His calloused fingers traced her lips. “Who kissed you, Grace?”

“It was nothing. A childish whim.”

“When?”

“A long time ago,” she lied.

His green eyes narrowed. “You’re sure?”

Nodding, she blocked her mind for safe measure. “It meant nothing.” Desperate to undo whatever she’d done, she reached for his hand with trembling fingers. “You’re the only one who matters... D-Darius.”

He studied her through a veil of suspicion that wasn’t between them moments ago. A crease formed between his brows. “I find it inconvenient that we cannot see into each other’s minds.”

She found it relieving. “We will learn to trust each other.”

He backed off and the chill of the room made her painfully aware that she was naked. Sitting up, she pulled her dark hair over her shoulders like a thin shelter. Though he didn’t appear agitated, he did seem less sure of himself.

“You can trust me, Darius. I am yours.”

“Mine…” he said the word with slow consideration, then his stare snapped to hers. “Show me how you were kissed.”

Her heart plummeted. “What do you mean?”

She couldn’t. She didn’t want to deceive him, and she wanted to please him, but some part of her needed to protect her memories. They were all she had left of Dane. All there would ever be.

He closed the distance and pulled her to her feet. “Show me.”

With labored breath, he stared down at her with pure determination. If she challenged him now, it would demean something later. She was sure of it. He needed to feel powerful. Denying him would cause the opposite.

Licking her lips, she said, “You will have to lean down.”

He did, but kept his hands locked at his side. “Go ahead.”

Rising on her toes, she pressed her mouth to the corner of his, brushing her lips softly over his, then pulling away. The spark of electricity that snapped between them was unexpected, but he seemed to feel it, too. She’d downplayed the kiss on purpose, but even for such a prudent gesture, there seemed an incredible amount of heat between them.

She lowered her gaze and looked away. “It was something like that.”

He chuckled, the easy sound now welcomed after having a glimpse of his temper. “It seems Ilost my temper for nothing. That was hardly a kiss.” He cupped her cheeks, angling her face upward so she could see his smile. “You’re very innocent,” he whispered, voice once again pleased. His thumb traced her lower lip. “I wasn’t expecting that, but I am glad it was nothing more.”

“I told you I was inexperienced.”

His grin stretched as promise danced in his green eyes. “Tomorrow, you won’t be able to make such a claim.”

Heat tugged low in her belly. He stirred a mixture of desire and fear in her that left no room for much else.

His hands lowered, loosely framing her neck. The contrast of his great strength and her delicate build was abundantly clear. Understanding passed between them. She might be faster, but he was bigger and could snap her like a twig.

“Let me show you what a real kiss is.” His mouth lowered to hers before she could respond and her eyes widened.

She had no time to prepare as his tongue swept past her lips and he swallowed her startled moan. It was an unmistakable claim. He yanked her hips forward, slamming her body against his hard length, forcing her to feel the steel press of his arousal.

The kiss rapidly changed, taking over her senses and far surpassing anything she’d ever experienced with Dane. His hands were everywhere. Gripping her breasts and pinching in ways that sent little gasps from her mouth intohis. He grabbed her backside, handling her with absolute entitlement as his hands pulled her flesh and his fingers explored private parts of her no one had dared to touch.

He swept her into his arms before she knew what was happening and deposited her back on the bed. “That’s one.”

“One?”