Page 71 of Igniting Sparks

I wrap my hand loosely around her throat as I possess her with a savage kiss. My tongue slides against hers, demanding a response, while my other hand dips down to cup her ass.

Gasps of surprise rise around the ballroom at our blatant public display, but I don’t give a shit.

I’m right where I want to be, with the only woman I want to be with—and she tastes sweeter every time.

But tonight, I’m tasting all of her.

Mina is an active participant, falling into the kiss and offering herself to me.

This time, I’m taking everything. When I’m finished, there will be no memory of any other man or any other time.

Fuck that. She belongs to me.

With every second, the kiss grows more frantic, more urgent, as Mina inches closer, her desperation echoing my own.

As much as I would make good on my threat to lick her right here, I’d prefer somewhere private.

I pull back, drinking in her bruised lips and pink cheeks. “Time to tell them goodnight.”

I don’t apologize for my actions.

In fact, I’m never apologizing again for laying claim to my woman whenever and wherever I choose.

Mina nods, releasing a shaky breath as she smooths her hair. “Okay.”

We stroll across the dance floor, and I’m keenly aware of two things—the murmurs of the fellow guests and the seething tension radiating from Bitsy as we approach.

“What was that?” Bitsy hisses when we get within earshot.

“That was me enjoying my fiancée.” I drape an arm around Mina’s shoulder, daring Bitsy to say something. “Now, we’re heading upstairs so I can enjoy her the rest of the night.”

Leo chokes on his drink at my brazen statement, but I’m done caring. I tried playing the part of the staid partner, and Bitsy handed me my head on a platter.

Might as well lean into the whole ruffian bad boy angle. It’s a hell of a lot more fun and by the end of the night, Mina will agree with me.

“I haveneverseen such a display.” Bitsy fans herself.

I bite back a laugh. “That’s a shame for you.”

Maybe if she got off more often, she wouldn’t need to get off on playing games with her family.

Either way, I’m done playing tonight.

Bitsy turns her gaze to Mina, who’s currently wearing an expression halfway between amusement and disbelief. “Are you honestly going upstairs right now?”

Mina looks at me, a grin dancing on her lips. “Yes. I am.”

She leans forward, giving her aunt’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

“But… we need to talk.”

“Not now.” My words emerge short and clipped.

Here’s the thing. Bitsy has had the upper hand all damn weekend. It’s time for me to regain control.

She clicks her tongue against her teeth before offering her niece a kiss on the cheek. “Be safe.”

But when she leans forward to me, it’s not friendly. “I’m warning you, Mr. Hammond. You will regret your impetuous actions. Mark my words.”