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“I say what I mean.”

“So no lies?” She cocks a brow like this is a challenge.

“No lies, I just won’t answer.”

“You know, I’ll take that.” A small laugh leaves her. I let myself soak in the sound.

“Now, tell me why it upsets you that I will watch over you.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does,” I snap back harsher than I mean to, making Tova lean back. “It does matter to me,” I repeat but softer this time. Tova sits there not saying a word, and I know I can’t order her to speak. She is not one of my men or employees. I take a page from my father’s book when he’s pissed off Mom. “Please.”

“Please?” She peeks over at me.

“Please.” I repeat the word. I make a mental note that the word pleases her. So did I when I complimented her dress.

“It’s silly.”

“I still want to know.”

“Fine.” She puffs out a small breath. “It’s the idea that my husband watches out for me because he has to.”

“Every husband should.” I’m getting the sense this is one of those moments I’m missing the emotional part.

“They shouldwantto.” There it is. Her wanting me to care tells me so many things.

“And you think I don’twantto?”

“I’m just another one of your responsibilities or jobs. However you see it.” She waves her hand around at everything. I grab her hand, linking my fingers with hers, taking a note from Z.

“I promise you that I want to take care of you, Tova.”

“And you wouldn't lie to me.”

I move without thinking, my other hand coming to cup her cheek. “No,” I tell her. “No, I wouldn't lie to you,” I quickly add.

Another giggle bubbles free from her.

“Did you add that last part so it wasn’t a one-word answer?”

“I did.” I lean closer, breathing in her sweet, flowery smell. The hint of sun is still clinging to her. “Know this, little mouse. You come before all others now.”

Her eyes search my face before they drop to my mouth. The overwhelming need to kiss her floods through my body.

“Are you going to kiss me?”

I stare into her amber eyes. This close, I can see specks of gold in them. “Yes,” I tell her before brushing my mouth against hers. Lust surges through my body. Tova’s eyes fall closed. “I’m in unfamiliar territory here." I press my mouth against hers again, this time deepening the kiss.

Tova's hands come to my chest, but she doesn't push me away. Instead, her delicate fingers grip the front of my shirt as she leans farther into me.

I swipe my tongue across her bottom lip. A small gasp leaves her, her mouth parting for me. I slip my tongue into her mouth,needing to taste her. A deep groan leaves me when her tongue meets mine, matching my strokes.

It's a fight to not grab her and pull her into my lap. I don't want the kiss to end. I had no idea how intoxicating kisses could be.

Tova pulls back slightly, her eyes fluttering open. We might have stopped kissing, but I don't pull away.

"This is unfamiliar territory for you?"