Page 27 of Igniting Sparks

“I see that,” I reply, my voice strangled in my throat.

It’s a wild rush of emotions—turned on by the sight of Braden half-naked, and crushed, knowing he was fully naked with someone else just moments ago.

“You needed to ask me something?” Braden prompts, taking a few steps toward me.

I focus my gaze on the floor as words fail me. Not a single sentence pops into my brain as I search the baseboards for answers. “It’s not important. I like your tattoo.”

Wow. Nailed it, Mina. “I like your tattoo.” Real smooth. What are you, fifteen?

Braden chuckles. “Which one? I have quite a few.”

“The uh… the warrior.” I wave my hand in his general vicinity, still unable to meet his gaze.

But if Braden notices my discomfort, he isn’t letting on. He closes the gap until we’re standing toe to toe. Then he grasps my fingers and rests my palm against the ink decorating the left side of his chest.

My breath hitches at the impromptu contact, my fingers curling slightly against his warm, slick skin.

“It’s manga style. The warrior represents the battles I’ve fought, and the ones I’ve lost.”

I cut my gaze upward to the design, acutely aware of the intensity of Braden’s stare. But I can’t meet it. Not yet. Instead, I trace my fingers along the outline of the warrior’s sword, feeling Braden’s muscles flex beneath my touch. “I didn’t realize.”

“Realize what?”

“That you’ve lost things, too.”

“We all lose things. It’s how you deal with that loss, which makes you strong.” He places his hand over mine, and I feel the thrum of his heart.

Or maybe it’s the beating of my own.

“That’s why you’re one of the strongest women I know.”

“Trust me, Braden, I’m not strong at all.”

And when I meet your fuck buddy, you’ll realize how weak I am.

“Agree to disagree.” Braden squeezes my fingers. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

My eyes widen as he motions toward the closed door. “I’m good.”

Actually, I’m three seconds away from throwing up, but I’ll keep that sentiment to myself.

A strange smile plays on Braden’s mouth. “Nope, this you have to see. Close your eyes.”

Fuck my life.

“I’m terrible with surprises,” I manage, my voice cracking like a teenage boy going through puberty.

But Braden is undeterred. “You’re going to like this one. Just close your eyes.”

If it involves another woman or you trying to push me into a threesome, trust me, I’m going to despise it.

Braden shakes his head at my stubborn stance and steps behind me to cover my eyes. “Since you won’t play along, I’ll have to force my hand.”

“But—”

He presses a soft kiss against my cheek, which sends a skittering of tingles through me as his beard tickles my skin. “No arguments. Come on.”

He leads me toward the door, and I dread the outcome more with each step.