Page 70 of Igniting Sparks

I’m not asking her. I’m demanding it.

Her eyes widen as she takes my hand, my fingers closing tightly around hers as I lead her onto the dance floor and pull her close.

Thankfully, it’s a slow song, so even the most inexperienced dancer can bumble their way through.

Besides, the floor is full of future grooms, all struggling to master anything beyond the side-to-side sway learned during middle school dances.

Mina rests her hands on my arms, her gaze expectant and a bit confused. “You said you don’t dance.”

I shrug, inching her closer. “For you, I’ll make an exception.”

“I’m sorry about Bitsy.”

“Shh. Don’t want to talk about her, and I especially don’t want to talk about Leo.”

“What did Leo do?”

She can’t be serious, right?

“He’s trying to wedge himself between us.”

She shakes her head, waving off the accusation. “I don’t think so. He’s just reminiscing about our dancing days.”

“You sure that’s all he’s reminiscing about?”

Her cheeks flush as she ducks her head, fingers toying with the collar of my shirt. “You don’t think he still has feelings for me?”

“Honestly, I don’t give a shit if he does. You’re mine now.”

Mina bites her lip, the blush crawling across her face in the most adorable fashion. “Is this some over-the-top possessive role you’re playing, or… do you mean it?”

That’s it. I’ll show her just how fucking serious I am abouteverything.

Backing her against the wall, I lean into her, wrapping my hands around her hips to edge her closer.

Her breath hitches, but I don’t give a damn who sees us.

In fact, I hope the whole place gets a piece of the action.

“Do I mean it?” I whisper the words in her ear, nuzzling the soft skin of her throat. “Mina, I’ll strip you down right here and drop to my knees to taste you in front of everyone. And I won’t stop until you’re screaming my name. Until you know just how good I can make you feel.”

Mina digs her fingers into my arms, her entire body trembling. “Braden?—”

I shake my head and press a finger to her lips. “Don’t you dare rush me.” I nip her neck and grab her ass, hauling her flush against my erection. “I’m going to savor every inch of you and it’s going to take all night.”

Her head rests against the wall, her breathing shallow and panted, her cheeks bright with color.

She’s primed and ready, but I need to know she’s fully on board.

I grasp her face and hover my lips next to hers. “I’m giving you a chance to walk away, Mina. Because if not, we’re going to cross a line, and we arenevergoing back. Do you want me to stop?”

She meets my gaze, her eyes wild with desire. Then she says the one word that changes it all. “Never.”

That single word breaks me. Breaks the chains holding me bound.

Most of our kisses were gentle. Restrained.

Not anymore.