Page 138 of Beautiful Lies

He inhales the air and stirs the ravioli. “This is ready.”

I clasp my hands in delight. “Can’t wait to eat it.”

He grabs two plates and serves the ravioli. When he’s done, he slides mine over to me. “Try it.”

I pick up my fork and sample the meal. And oh my gosh, it’s divine. “This tastes fantastic.”

“Fantastic enough to add to your list of favorites?”

“Oh yes. Hmmm hmmm.”

Knox smiles with appreciation. “You can make that sound again when we have dessert.”

“What are we having for dessert?”

“I’m having you, and you’re having me.” He gives me a saucy wink. “Eat up. You’ll need your strength.”

Heat thrums through me, from his words and the way he’s looking at me like I’m the only thing in the room worth noticing.

“This is nice.” I hold his gaze. “All of it. I thought I was going to have a very different day.”

“Good thing I came to my senses.” He swallows a bite of ravioli and watches me eat mine.

“Good thing you did.”

We eat, and his eyes hardly leave me. And when I look at him, he doesn’t hide that he’s completely fixated on me.

He finishes his food first, and the moment I finish mine, he takes my plate and reaches for the wine.

“This next.”

I lean away while he uncorks the bottle. It opens with a pop, and he pours me a drink. Like before, he watches me, his eyes lingering on my lips as I take a big gulp.

“Wow. Everything tastes so good.” The deep ruby liquid carries notes of smoked cherry and bitter chocolate, each sip revealing layers of plum and spice that linger on my tongue.

“Glad you like it.”

He continues staring as I drink more.

“Are you going to watch me all night?” I prod with a wave of my hand.

“Yes. Among other things.”

“Like what?”

He holds my gaze. “You’ll see.”

“Aren’t you having wine?”

He straightens and stares at me, menace lurking in his blue gaze. “Definitely. Just not in a glass.”

“Where are you going to have it?”

“Off you, love.”

Instantly, my core heats, and a hot shiver rolls through me, pooling deep between my thighs. My breath slips out in a quiet rush, betraying just how hard that line hits.

He sees it. Of course, he does.