Page 58 of Lucas

I chuckle. “You call that a kiss? Or are you just too scared?” I’m goading her, knowing she won’t back down from the challenge.

She captures my mouth again, pushing up on her toes, hands in my hair, pulling my mouth to hers. Her lips touch mine, and it’s electric, making my cock throb.

I groan and crush her to me, pinning her against the mirror. Her heart races against my chest. Her tongue pushes into my mouth, hot and hard, and I let her in, angling my head to get deeper.

God, she tastes good. Like cherries and chocolate, sweet and addicting. I could drown in her. I gentle the kiss, slowingit down, sucking on her bottom lip. She whimpers and arches into me.

My hands want to explore the tender softness of her breasts, to trace the sensual curve of her hips. I’m painfully hard, my dick like iron.

I groan into her mouth, using every ounce of willpower to keep my hands on the mirror instead of touching her like I promised. My body screams, demands to be inside her now.

When she breaks the kiss, we’re both breathless. Her lips are swollen and scraped red from my stubble, eyes smoldering.

We both felt that. I know it. But she’s not ready to surrender to me yet. I can see the resistance etched on her features.

Still, I check just to be certain. “Do you want to ask for it, Ava?”

“When hell freezes over.” She ducks under my arm and flees the room.

Chapter Seventeen

LUCAS

Ifasten the last button on my tuxedo shirt and adjust my bowtie. Tonight is the charity gala, our first public outing as husband and wife.

I told Ava she could choose her gown, and now I’m second-guessing that decision. She could easily pick something to embarrass me.

I hope we don’t need to argue about her attire—we’re already running late. Glancing at my watch, I lift my head.

Fuck me.

Ava glides toward me, a vision in a tailored crimson dress that clings to her curves, the hem touching the floor. The strapless sweetheart neckline bares her shoulders and a tantalizing hint of cleavage.

My heart rate kicks up a notch.

How is it possible she’s completely covered and elegant,yet all I can think about is how badly I want to peel that dress off her body? How good she’ll look when I do?

Her lips, painted to match the gown, look full and tempting.

I stand frozen, captivated by the sight of her. I want to conquer her more than anything I’ve ever craved. The need intensifies every day I’m near her.

“Ready?” I break the charged silence, my voice a touch deeper than usual.

She nods, and we head out. I want to get the door for her, but she beats me to it, folding herself into the passenger seat.

Sighing, I slide behind the wheel and fire up the Jag. The powerful engine purrs to life, and I savor the sound for a moment before pulling out of the drive.

“You’re quiet,” I remark after a few minutes of strained silence.

No response. She stares out the window, avoiding my gaze.

“Planning to give me the silent treatment all night?”

Ava turns to face me, emerald eyes narrowed. “That’s the idea, yes.”

“Why?” I arch a brow, glancing at her before focusing back on the winding road.

“Because whenever you open your mouth, you piss me off, and I’d rather not have to pretend to be your adoring wife while seething with resentment.”