Page 4 of Daring to Love You (Priestly Family #3)

Lynix hadn’t planned to kiss her. He’d only planned to spend some time in her presence, talk with her about the car, and then leave.

He’d been trying not to come on too strong, trying not to scare her away, but instead of chipping away at the wall she’d built around her heart, his control was crumbling.

She felt too perfect against him and tasted like wine and strawberries as he devoured her mouth.

He hated to admit he’d kissed plenty of women—something he wasn’t proud of.

Yet, he could honestly say none of those experiences matched what he and Dorian shared.

And all they were doing was kissing. However, he felt the sensuous caress of her lips to the soles of his feet, and if he never kissed another woman, it would be all right.

If he hadn’t known it before, this moment would’ve sealed it for him. Dorian would one day be his.

A door slammed, and Dorian leaped away from him as if someone had burned her. Lynix growled under his breath and ran his hand over his mouth as his gaze shifted to the person who dared interrupt them.

Shit. Of all the people to come outside, why’d it have to be Cree, one of Dorian’s older sisters.

The woman, an entertainment attorney, was fine as hell, looking like she should be gracing the cover of Vogue magazine with the way she was wearing the slinky red dress.

But when he looked into her eyes, she reminded him how she had the ability to put fear into the most hardened criminal with just a look. Yeah, she was that scary.

Cree looked from him to Dorian and then back at him before narrowing her eyes.

“I guess I don’t have to ask what’s going on out here,” she said, her husky voice deceptively calm, while her gaze was hard enough to chop him into pieces. Then she turned her attention to Dorian and so did he.

Lynix couldn’t stop himself from smirking when he looked at his sweet Dorian. She might’ve been a sweetheart, but he sensed there was a bit of a hellcat inside of her, considering the way she was glowering at Cree.

But of course, there was. She came from a family of strong, outspoken women. There was no way some of their strength and boldness hadn’t rubbed off on her. Why would he think otherwise?

Because she’s so damn sweet, that little voice in the back of his mind said.

“I know why I’m out here,” Dorian snapped angrily, her arms folded across her chest. “But why are you? Are you following me?”

Seconds ticked by before a slow smile spread across Cree’s lips, and she pointed at Dorian.

“Don’t get snippy with me, young lady,” she said, humor in her tone, something Lynix had never heard from her before.

“I came looking for you because they’re getting ready to toast the happy couple, and I didn’t think you’d want to miss that.

” She turned and glared at Lynix. “Then again, I could be wrong. Maybe you’d prefer to have Lynix’s slick talking tongue down your throat instead. ”

“That’s none of your business,” Dorian said, her words not as confident as they’d been moments ago. “So you can leave.”

Cree waved her hand dismissively. “Fine, I’ll go, but Lynix, I don’t care if you are some rich, entitled prince. Hurt my little sister, and I will destroy your ass.”

Prince? She’d known him for years and knew he wasn’t some damn prince.

“And after I destroy you financially, then I’ll cut off your balls and feed them to a junkyard dog. Think about that the next time you kiss my sister at a family event.”

“Seriously, Cree?” he said, struggling not to laugh at her dramatics.

Without responding, she turned on her red, sky-high heels and went back inside as if she hadn’t just threatened to castrate him.

Lynix looked at Dorian. “Should I be afraid?” he asked jokingly, trying to lighten the mood, and Dorian didn’t disappoint when she burst out laughing.

She laughed for a solid minute before saying, “Umm, yeah . You should be very afraid. You know she don’t play.”

Smiling, Lynix nodded and pulled her back into his arms. He kissed her sweet lips and then asked, “Will you have dinner with me next weekend?”

Dorian sighed and placed her hands on his chest, oblivious of the effect her fiery touch had on him. Her hands were like a hot poker against his skin, but he loved when she touched him.

“Lynix, I—”

“Don’t say no,” he said quietly and brushed the back of his fingers down her soft cheek. “Even if you’re not ready to date me exclusively, tell me you’ll have dinner with me in the very near future.”

“Okay, I won’t say no. I’ll say… maybe.”

She smiled at him, and it was like watching the sun burst through clouds on a rainy day. He wanted to see that smile every day of his life, and all he had to do was figure out how to make that happen. How to get her to let down her guard with him.

He gave her another quick peck on the lips. “I’ll take that. Just know I’m not giving up. I’ll be asking again soon.”

She nodded, still smiling as she walked backwards toward the door. “Take care, Lynix, and thanks for the offer regarding the car.” Were the last words she spoke before disappearing inside the building.

Lynix rubbed his hand over his short beard as he stood there a moment longer. He needed a plan. It was time to show her what she was missing by not giving him a chance.

Feeling encouraged, he walked to the driver’s side of his car and climbed in. He’d think of something. He always did.