Page 17

T he words flow so effortlessly from his silver tongue, and I want to believe them.

Want to believe him so badly. But my insecurities hover beneath the surface, reminding me I’m nothing like the beautiful, exotic women he’s probably used to dating.

There’s no way I am Knox Beckett’s type. Not a chance in hell.

Feeling self-conscious, I grab the rubber band from around my wrist and use it to pull my hair up into a messy bun. He watches as though it’s the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen.

“What?” I ask softly.

“I like your hair like that.”

“Like a rat’s nest?” Disbelief fills my voice. Now I know he’s full of shit.

“Wild and free—like you.” He places a slice of pizza on a plate and hands it to me. “Although, I really like it down, too. I’ve never seen hair quite that shade of red before. It’s beautiful.”

I shift, not used to so many compliments.

Especially from such a good-looking man.

I’m having such a hard time reading him, and it’s driving me crazy.

Normally, I can figure people out pretty easily.

But Knox Beckett keeps throwing me for a loop.

The moment I think I have him all figured out, he says something sweet.

Is he truly being sincere, though? Or is he so used to being a charmer that it just comes naturally?

You also thought you knew Shane, I remind myself. And look how that turned out.

“Talk to me, Pyro,” he says, and I can’t help but smile, immediately recognizing the reference to the famous line from Top Gun .

Talk to me, Goose.

I decide to go with blunt honesty. “You’re hard to read. No, that’s not exactly right. Every time I think I have a good read on you, you do something that throws me.”

“I’m just being me.” He holds my gaze then leans in closer. The hint of a smile plays on his lips and his yummy scent tickles my nose. “Can I tell you a secret?”

Caught in his stare, I nod, breathing him in deeply.

“I really, really like you, Hunter McGrath.” His voice slides over me like hot butter. So low and sexy it makes my stomach flutter. When his fingers lightly brush my bare knee, I try not to melt. “Yet you keep looking at me like I’m full of it. I promise you, I’m dying of curiosity over here.”

Now, he’s lightly trailing his finger in a circle on my knee, and I bite my lip. His touch is igniting a desire that usually stays under control. But Knox makes me want to throw caution to the wind and have some fun. Indulge like I never have before.

“What are you curious about?” I ask, barely recognizing my own voice. It’s so husky, and I’m breathing harder, waiting for his answer.

“Everything. From your favorite color to what you look like naked.”

Oh, God.

His fingers dip to my inner thigh, still lightly caressing, but only venturing up the slightest bit. “I want to know how you taste and the sounds you make when you come. Too forward?”

All the air rushes from my lungs and I can feel my panties growing wet. “Is that a line?” I ask, trying to make light of the situation. Trying my damndest not to succumb, but completely focused on his hand between my legs.

And how very much I like it there.

His entrancing blue eyes narrow slightly. “No, it’s not.”

“Give me your best line.”

“What?”

“I want to hear your best line. I know you have one.”

“No.”

“C’mon,” I cajole. “Pretend I’m your mark and you’ve seduced me into your bed. What would you say?”

“Why?” he asks carefully.

Because our adventure is almost over and I don’t want to have regrets or wonder “what if” after we go our separate ways. Because I’m going to give in. Because I’m going to sleep with you, and when you say it to me, I’ll know it’s just a beautiful lie and that it means nothing.

“Humor me,” I say.

“Okaaay,” he relents, drawing the word out, fingers starting to caress my inner thigh again. “But it’s just a line.”

I nod.

“I have to ease into it,” he warns me with a smirk. Before I can blink, his mouth is on mine, kissing me senseless.

My body responds and I slide my hands up around his neck, pushing closer. Our mouths meld, tongues stroking, and I whimper. He’s managed to break through my defenses and, right at this moment, I don’t have the strength to care, much less pretend I don’t want him, too.

When he finally pulls away, I’m still lost in that amazing kiss that has me tingling all over.

My fingers curl into his shirt and I don’t want to let go.

Desire thrums through every cell in my body as he presses his forehead against mine and rasps, “If I had to choose between breathing and loving you, I would say I love you with my last breath.”

And there it is—his best line. I can’t lie, it’s damn good, and my heart is beating hard, my body on fire.

I pull away, releasing him, and roll my eyes. “Oh, my God, shut up,” I force out, trying to play it off. But I need to turn away and pull in a steadying breath. Take a moment to compose myself. Because even though I don’t want his words and actions to affect me, they do. So damn much.

Being in this sexy thief’s world is intoxicating, and all I want to do is stay drunk on him.

On his deep, dark blue eyes, his irresistible smile, his delicious body.

Tomorrow, we go home and this all ends. So tonight, I’m going to keep drinking and enjoying the exhilarating thrill that is Knox Beckett.

I’m going to let him go straight to my head and let it spin.

I’m also going to let him into my bed. And the anticipation that comes with that confession sizzles through me.

“Hunter?”

“Hmm?”

“Just so you know, I’ve never used that line on anyone.”

“Really?” For some strange reason, I believe him.

“Guess I’ve been saving it.”

I nod, caught up in the magnetic pull of his universe. “Knox?”

A dazzling smile lights his face. “I like it when you say my name.”

“I’m glad. But you don’t need to waste any more of your best lines on me.” He frowns. “Because if you haven’t figured it out yet, I want you to take me to bed tonight.”

A mix of emotions flash across his face, and before he can say a word, I embrace this newfound boldness and lay down my terms.

“But what happens here in Spain stays here in Spain. No expectations, just sex. As long as you’re okay with that…” My voice trails off, but I have no idea why he wouldn’t be. I just told him we could fuck and then he can go on his merry way. I won’t call or cry or ask him to be my boyfriend.

A girl has needs. But I’m keeping my heart closed. End of story.

“That’s what you want?” he asks, cupping my face.

“It’s all I can give,” I whisper.

He considers my words for a moment then stands up and offers his hand. “You make the rules, Hunter. And I’m not wasting another minute. Let’s go.”

My heart thunders in my ears as I place my hand in his and stand.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. I just told this gorgeous man I want to have sex with him and now we’re going to get naked.

This isn’t me. I’ve never been so daring and forthright when it comes to men.

But watching Knox walk away tomorrow and then having regrets isn’t something I can let happen.

No way. Tonight I’m going to focus on pleasure. Both his and mine. I have a feeling he isn’t going to be anything like Shane—a selfish lover who only cared about himself. At least, I hope not. Suddenly, I feel wound so tight and I need release.

Knox spirits me down a back hallway, avoiding walking past Linc and Ryder. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s shielding me from their inevitable teasing and prying eyes, which is kind and considerate. Or maybe I’m just reading into the situation too much.

The moment we reach his room, he shuts the door and turns to face me. “One night, no strings. That’s what you want?”

I’m not sure it’s exactly what I want, but it’s the only way to safeguard my heart from him.

So, I do the only thing I can. “Yes,” I whisper, reaching for the hem of my dress and pulling it over my head.

I toss it on a nearby chair and turn to face him in only my bra and panties.

I think the red bikini covered less, but the appreciation and flare of heat that passes over his face gives me a boost of confidence.

He removes his shirt, throws it over my dress, and stalks forward. His hands wrap around my waist, tugging me closer, and his mouth descends, covering mine. The kiss is possessive, deep, and I run my fingers through his hair. It’s soft and silky, and I scratch my nails down the back of his neck.

I am lost, completely caught up in the magic that is Knox Beckett. His hand twists in my hair, angling my head to the side, allowing him to deepen the kiss. My knees shake as I hold onto his shoulders, but I kiss him back with everything I’ve got.

When he finally releases my mouth, I’m hanging onto him for dear life, breathing hard.

His blazing blue eyes lock onto mine and he pulls me upright, walking me backward to the bed.

The backs of my knees bump the mattress and I blink in surprise when my bra straps slide down my arms. I didn’t even realize he’d unsnapped it.

It falls to the floor and he takes a step back, soaking up the sight of my bare breasts.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he says, voice husky. He lifts his hands, palming my breasts, and I drop my head back, offering myself to him.

The moment his mouth closes over a nipple, a moan tears from my throat. It’s too good, too much, and I arch back further as he sucks, swirling his tongue around the tight peak and then moving to my other breast.

I’m not sure how long he worships my breasts, but no one has ever spent so much time kissing and exploring them before.

It feels so good, but it’s making me a little crazy, and I squeeze my thighs together.

He’s moving at an incredibly languid pace, which is filling me with an intense anticipation.

I’m about ready to scream “More!” when his hands slide down my back, dip into my panties and squeeze my ass.