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“It’s not your fault.”

“What happened after…” Olivia left it vague.

“After,” Grace nodded. She stood up and rolled her shoulders. “A bunch of arrests were made. Two of the guys were sentenced to life without parole. Charlie took me in. My body healed. I did go to New York, and become a dancer. I, uhm… I’ve never told anyone this story before.”

Olivia stood up as well, that last sentence scrambling all the wires in her brain.

“Never?” she murmured.

“No. I’m a very private person, you know?” A flash of color flooded back into Grace’s face as she turned to caress her cheek with a folded knuckle.

“Yes, I know.” Olivia nodded.

“But you’re special.”

“You said I wasn’t your type.”

“Maybe I was wrong about that.” Grace smiled in wonder, as if this did not happen to her very often, and leaned in to brush her lips over hers. Such a feather-light kiss… And yet it carried such weight. “What about you, Olivia?”

“Me?”

Grace held her chin, the smile turning gentle as she looked deep into her eyes. “A woman broke your heart. I can tell.”

“Well… Kind of, but I think I broke my own.”

“What do you mean?”

“Imagining a love story that wasn’t there. Holding on to it despite all the signs.” She winced, the truth of it suddenly crystal clear. “I won’t make that same mistake again.”

Grace looked like she may have been about to say something else but then didn’t. She just stared a bit harder, clearly hesitating, so Olivia stepped even closer.

“You won’t hurt me, Grace.” She did not quite dare to kiss her back. Not yet. But… Soon. “Trust me.” Olivia laid her fingers on the side of her neck and found blood racing under deliciously smooth skin. She did not try to hide her own shiver. “I want you, Grace.”

Now she did kiss her back. She made it slow but still intent. She wanted to kiss all that caution away. Now. Yes. Right now, dammit!

“Grace…”

“Yes.” Grace snapped the word in an almost growl.

Then laid a commanding hand on the back of her neck and took her mouth with bruising intensity.Oh, God!No hesitation. No holding back. The kiss was hot and fierce. Olivia wrapped her arms around her neck, fusing their bodies together. Apparently not satisfied until she had her pressed against the wall, Grace pushed until they were there. Heated tongues meshed together and danced. Grace cupped her jaw with her free hand, tilting her head back and slightly to the side, directing the kiss the way she wanted it. That she was in charge and liked to be, was blatantly obvious. Olivia shivered in arousal, amazed to discover how much this sort of thing turned her on. And this wasbeforeGrace took her wrists and raised them above her head. Pinning her in place.Fuck!

“Look at you. So gorgeous.” She flashed a brilliant smile as she pressed her leg between hers, then swallowed Olivia’s moan with another deep possessive kiss.

“Let me touch you, Grace.”

“No.” The word, delivered with such a smug and sizzling look, almost knocked Olivia’s legs out from under her. “Later, I will. But for now, we’re going to do it my way. Okay with you?”

Olivia could barely speak. ‘O-okay.”

“Good. Stay still.”

Grace held her wrists in a single hand while she brought the other one back to her face. Cupping her cheek gently, she traced her thumb infinitely slowly over her parted lips. The gesture was surprisingly, deliciously tender in contrast to their earlier kiss. It elicited a sigh from Olivia. Her eyelids fluttered. Grace rumbled with what sounded like utter satisfaction.

“Eyes on me, darling.”

Olivia blinked sharply and re-focused.Did she just click her fingers at me?Yeah. This had just happened. Fiery tingles flared.Olivia would have laughed if she could have drawn enough breath. But she was too busy panting and trying not to moan. Or beg. Who knew this kind of arrogance could be so arousing? Of course, Grace only kept a loose grip over her wrists; she could have easily freed herself if she’d wanted to. But this was way too good. She absolutely, thoroughly, categorically, did not wantto be released.

chapter 19