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“No.”
“C’mon,” I cajole. “Pretend I’m your mark and you’ve seduced me into your bed. What would you say?”
“Why?” he asks carefully.
Because our adventure is almost over and I don’t want to have regrets or wonder “what if” after we go our separate ways. Because I’m going to give in. Because I’m going to sleep with you, and when you say it to me, I’ll know it’s just a beautiful lie and that it means nothing.
“Humor me,” I say.
“Okaaay,” he relents, drawing the word out, fingers starting to caress my inner thigh again. “But it’s just a line.”
I nod.
“I have to ease into it,” he warns me with a smirk. Before I can blink, his mouth is on mine, kissing me senseless.
My body responds and I slide my hands up around his neck, pushing closer. Our mouths meld, tongues stroking, and I whimper. He’s managed to break through my defenses and, right at this moment, I don’t have the strength to care, much less pretend I don’t want him, too.
When he finally pulls away, I’m still lost in that amazing kiss that has me tingling all over. My fingers curl into his shirt and I don’t want to let go. Desire thrums through every cell in my body as he presses his forehead against mine and rasps, “If I had to choose between breathing and loving you, I would say I love you with my last breath.”
And there it is—his best line. I can’t lie, it’s damn good, and my heart is beating hard, my body on fire.
I pull away, releasing him, and roll my eyes. “Oh, my God, shut up,” I force out, trying to play it off. But I need to turn away and pull in a steadying breath. Take a moment to compose myself. Because even though I don’t want his words and actions to affect me, they do. So damn much.
Being in this sexy thief’s world is intoxicating, and all I want to do is stay drunk on him. On his deep, dark blue eyes, his irresistible smile, his delicious body. Tomorrow, we go home and this all ends. So tonight, I’m going to keep drinking andenjoying the exhilarating thrill that is Knox Beckett. I’m going to let him go straight to my head and let it spin.
I’m also going to let him into my bed. And the anticipation that comes with that confession sizzles through me.
“Hunter?”
“Hmm?”
“Just so you know, I’ve never used that line on anyone.”
“Really?” For some strange reason, I believe him.
“Guess I’ve been saving it.”
I nod, caught up in the magnetic pull of his universe. “Knox?”
A dazzling smile lights his face. “I like it when you say my name.”
“I’m glad. But you don’t need to waste any more of your best lines on me.” He frowns. “Because if you haven’t figured it out yet, I want you to take me to bed tonight.”
A mix of emotions flash across his face, and before he can say a word, I embrace this newfound boldness and lay down my terms.
“But what happens here in Spain stays here in Spain. No expectations, just sex. As long as you’re okay with that…” My voice trails off, but I have no idea why he wouldn’t be. I just told him we could fuck and then he can go on his merry way. I won’t call or cry or ask him to be my boyfriend.
A girl has needs. But I’m keeping my heart closed. End of story.
“That’s what you want?” he asks, cupping my face.
“It’s all I can give,” I whisper.
He considers my words for a moment then stands up and offers his hand. “You make the rules, Hunter. And I’m not wasting another minute. Let’s go.”
My heart thunders in my ears as I place my hand in his and stand. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I just told this gorgeous man I want to have sex with him and now we’re going to get naked. This isn’t me. I’ve never been so daring and forthright when it comes to men. But watching Knox walk away tomorrow and then having regrets isn’t something I can let happen.
No way. Tonight I’m going to focus on pleasure. Both his and mine. I have a feeling he isn’t going to be anything like Shane—a selfish lover who only cared about himself. At least, I hope not. Suddenly, I feel wound so tight and I need release.