Page 46 of Cryptic Curse

“I want to be there for Belinda, but Vinnie and Raven will start popping out babies soon, and I don’t want to be in the way.When my divorce from Vinnie is final, I should probably try to date or something.I want to set a good example for Belinda, you know.To show her it’s possible to have a healthy relationship with a man after the horrors her father put her through, and—” I clamp my hand over my mouth.“God, I’m babbling.I’m sorry for running my mouth without thinking.”

Hawk stops me with a gesture.

Then he cups my cheeks.

His hands are so big and warm.

The spark that spreads through me takes me from warm to hot.

And slowly, he leans down and touches his lips to mine.

15

HAWK

Her lips are soft against mine, tentative but welcoming.I keep the kiss slow, exploratory.When I pull away, her eyes are wide and shining in the moonlight, full of surprise and something more.

“You want to go back to the house?”I ask huskily.

She swallows and looks at me.Finally, she nods.“That would be best.”

The moon is high as we walk back to the house in silence.

God, it took everything in me not to shove my tongue into her mouth, kiss her the way I wanted to.

When we reach the deck, I open the door and we walk back into the large kitchen.

I look down at Daniela, at her glistening lips, her flushed cheeks, her wide eyes.

“Goodnight, Daniela,” I say softly.

“Goodnight, Hawk.”

But neither of us move.

I should walk her to her car.

I should offer to drive her home.

I should do anything other than what I do.

But I can’t help myself.

I pull her to me and crush my mouth to hers.

And this time I’m not gentle.

I allow all the pent-up desire to surge forth as I taste her, exploring the soft contours of her mouth.I slide my hand over her back and pull her closer.

When she responds with an equal intensity, I’m fucking thrilled.She curls her arms around my neck and presses herself into me.

I’m lost in the sensation of her, in the taste of coffee, condensed milk, and something uniquely Daniela on my tongue, the feel of her soft curves against my hardness.All thoughts of restraint dissolve into nothingness.

It’s just us.

Here.

Now.