Page 24

“Dare play a game with me?” I blame my brave—or stupid—challenge on the alcohol loosening me. Maybe I’ll regret this spontaneous urge, but I’ll deal with it later.

“That depends.” His voice is low, his face mere inches from mine.

The crowd and the noise in the lounge disappear from my vision. Even the lights seem dimmer. We’re in some kind of magical bubble. His intense stare tosses me into a whirlwind of wild fantasy.

“You’re very handsome, you know that?”

His lips tilt at the corners.

“You’re exquisite, you know that?” he counters, angling his face to look at me. “What’s the dare?”

“Rock, paper, scissors,” I blurt out the game I’ve played with my friends before I can analyze it further.

What am I doing? I have no idea. All I know is that I want to kiss him. Just one kiss.

He laughs, and the room brightens, making him more stunning. “What are you trying to achieve with this game?”

I lean in to inhale his scent, but also to make sure no one overhears what I’m about to say. “An answer to a curiosity. Do you know the rules?”

God, he smells so good.

“I do. Let’s go for it.” Hewhispers into my ear, his warm breath sending heat to my core.

He lingers around my face and takes a deep inhale before drawing back.

“Do you know what I want if I win?” I ask.

“I’ll risk it for what I’m going to win.” He smirks.

“Arrogant much?”

He’s an abundance of arrogance, magnetism, mystery, and brilliance, all dressedin an expensive tailored shirt. His pants show off his muscular legs and attractive height. The longer I sit beside him, look at him, talk to him and smell him, the more I want the package.

“It’s confidence . . . and determination.”

“On a count of three,” he says. I shift in my seat, my knees touching his even more.

“One. Two. Three!”

I shoot out my clenched fist and gasp. “No!” I scowl at his open palm.

He grins like a fool. “Paper beats rock.”

Before I can retort, his mouth slams into mine, and all thoughts leave my brain. He devours my mouth; his tongue spearing through my lips and tangling with mine.He cups the back of my neck, angling my mouth as he kisses me, leaving me quivering for more.

I place a hand on his chest, feeling his thundering heart.

He drags an open mouth to my ears. “Ready for another dare?”

I press my thighs together and meet his challenging gaze, desperately trying to find coherent words after that mind-blowing kiss. My expression probably gives him the answer he needs, because he yanks me to my feet, and grabs my hand, leading me to the elevator.

Another couple is already in the elevator, otherwise we would’ve acted on this incredible energy between us. I’m in a daze at what’s happening, but it also mesmerizes me. Before I know it, we’re inside his hotel room. His mouth crushes into mine. Sensations explode in me, sending liquid heat pooling to my center. I love the way he ravages me.

We break away to strip off our clothes. My body shivers not from the lack of clothing, but from the anticipation I’m feeling. Then it heats from the way his eyes rake down my body.

“You’re beautiful,” he says in a husky voice.

My breath trips in my throat.