Page 118 of Collide

I want him.

I meet his eyes, my voice quieter now. “I don’t want to lose myself or my hard work in all of this.”

His expression softens, his fingers reaching across the table to brush against mine. “Then don’t. I’m not asking you to change or to let them define you. I want to be in this with you.”

I let out a slow breath, my fingers curling slightly around his.

“Okay.”

“Then get over here, I miss you in my arms.”

I hesitate for only a second.

Then I move.

My chair scrapes against the floor as I stand, the space between us shrinking as I round the table. Alex doesn’t move, doesn’t push, he just watches. His eyes are piercing, dark, patient, filled with something steady and sure that makes my heart trip over itself.

When I reach him, he pulls me in instantly, his hands gripping my hips as he tugs me onto his lap like I belong there.

And maybe I do.

I let out a breathy laugh as I settle against him, my hands pressing against his chest, his warmth seeping into my skin.

Alex exhales like he’s finally right where he’s meant to be. His arms wrap around me, one hand splaying wide across my lower back, the other sliding up my spine, fingers threading through my hair.

“Better,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough, his lips brushing against my jaw.

I shiver, my breath catching. “You’re very demanding.”

He grins, nosing along my cheek. “Only when I know what I want.”

And right now, I know exactly what he wants.

The tension that has been building all evening tightens between us, threading through my veins like a live wire. His fingers flex against my hips, holding me there, anchoring me, but it’s not enough.

I tilt my head, brushing my nose against his, teasing. His breath stirs against my lips, his grip tightening slightly.

“Elena,” he murmurs, his voice a hushed warning, as if he’s barely holding himself back.

I don’t want him to.

I close the distance, pressing my lips to his—slow at first, tender and playful.

Then Alex makes a sound—low, deep, almost pained—and whatever restraint he had left shatters.

The kiss turns hungry, his hands gripping me tighter as he pulls me closer, pressing me against him like he needs me to breathe. I feel the heat of him everywhere, the firm press of his chest against mine, the way his fingers slide up beneath my shirt, skimming my skin, tracing fire in their wake.

I tilt my head, deepening the kiss, swallowing the groan that rumbles in his throat. His hands slide lower, gripping my thighs, shifting me against him. I throb with desire.

My fingers tangle in his hair, tugging slightly, and he groans, his teeth nipping at my lower lip.

I gasp against his mouth. “Alex?—”

He doesn’t stop.

Doesn’t slow.

And God help me, I don’t want him to.