Page 83 of Persuasion (Temptation 2)

I pinched my mouth into a tight line, feigning deep contemplation. “To come up with the best word, we must first look at the definition of charity.”

Dropping my hold, I paced in front of her, imitating my movements of that first night we shared together. “What comes to mind when you hear the word charity?”

“Kindness. Philanthropy…” She paused. “Decency.”

Waggling my brows, I stopped pacing, hands returning to her face as I slowly lowered my lips to hers. “Then you should know this kiss will be so indecent, so immoral, so improper, you might consider it offensive.”

“Is that right?” she breathed huskily.

“That’s right.”

“Well then…” She hooked her arm around my neck, seeking out my kiss. “Offend me, you beast.”

Growling, I covered her lips with mine, pouring everything we’d been through since that night into this “first” kiss.

And that was what this felt like. Our first kiss all over again. The first kiss after we’d dropped pretenses. Faced our fears. Took a risk.

For years, I guarded my heart, allowed anger to control me.

Until this inexplicable, unexpected, amazing woman managed to weasel her way past every single one of my defenses.

Now, I never wanted to go back to that person I was just a little more than a week ago. Julia said I made her feel alive.

But she taught me how to live again.

And perhaps love again.

I didn’t care what this was. Didn’t need to label it. All I knew was that this thing we had was real. And I would fight for this, for her, for us, no matter the cost.

Bringing the kiss to an end, I rested my forehead against hers, peace filling me. I exhaled a tiny breath of air the same time she did.

As I drew in her breath, drinking her in, I felt the connection between us strengthen even more.

“I don’t care what obstacles we may face in the future, Julia,” I began, cupping her cheeks. “We’ll get through them. Together.”

She covered my hands with hers, basking in my reassurance. “Together.”

“Yes.” I pressed my lips to hers once more. “Together.”