Page 102

“Then don’t.”

His eyes search mine. He looks absolutely gutted, and it breaks my heart.

Squeezing his hand, I say, “I don’t want to lose you just because you happen to be a vampire.”

“Stop for a moment andreallythink about what you just said,” he says gently.

“I don’t want to. Not right now.”

“Okay.” His hand tightens around mine. “What do you want to think about instead?”

“The fact that we’re alone for maybe the last time for a while.”

He swallows. “And what do you want to do while we’re alone for maybe the last time for a while?”

I lift my gaze up to meet his. “I want you to kiss me.”

His eyes go molten.

“I want to touch you.” My heart flutters, feeling as if it’s trying to take flight. “And I want you to touch me.”

Noah makes a dark noise, like the sound of his willpower breaking. He then takes my hand and presses my palm to the middle of his chest. “Touch me then.”

“You forgot the second part,” I murmur.

“I didn’t forget.” He moves his hands to my sides and leans close, his mouth near my ear. “Couch or counter?”

“What?” I ask, my voice wobbly.

“You asked for this,” he reminds me.

I go lightheaded. “What exactly isthis?”

“I’ll behave,” he promises, his words deep and gritty. “Mostly.”

My knees go weak, but he catches me, lifting me up like I don’t weigh anything. He tucks his arm under my legs and carries me into the living room.

I’ve read about heroines being carried in romance novels and always scoffed, but actually, it’sdelightful.

Noah adjusts me in his arms and sits, cradling me in his lap. When his hand grazes my hip, I draw in a sharp breath. No one has ever touched me like this—I’ve neverletanyone touch me like this.

I’ve never wanted to.

Not until now.

“Did I mention I like these?” He toys with the hem of my soft cotton sleep shorts and then places his warm hand on my thigh.

I jump a little, startled by the contact.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his eyes on mine.

The question is genuine. If I asked him to stop, he would.

“Yes,” I whisper. “It feels good.”

He brushes my hair back, settling his hand on my bare shoulder, and then lowers his lips to my neck. “How does this feel?” he murmurs against my skin.

Words are beyond me now, so I make a soft sound of encouragement, leaning in to meet him.