Page 59 of Unapologetic Obsession

My mouth went dry when the moon revealed itself from behind the clouds, illuminating his face. Up close, I could make out his expressions. His pupils were dilated, and he was perusing my body. Unapologetic and unashamed.

My stomach clenched.

In all the years I had known him, he had never looked at me likethat—with intensity and hunger. My nerves were frayed by his single glance, and I was suddenly buzzing for a different reason than the drinks.

I was so distracted that it took me several moments to process his comment. I frowned. “I didn’t arrive late. I arrived two hours ago to help set up the party. Then I went to the lower deck to talk to the captain about a safety check. He didn’t like that.”

He chuckled. “Of course you arrived early to set up and do a safety check.” He laughed again. The sound sent warm feelings down to the middle of my chest.

Was I dreaming?

I hadn’t expected the warm reception. Damon noticed I was missing, he had sought me out, and now, I had charmed him.

Should I confess my undying love?

No.

Too strong a reaction to a simple laugh.

“I thought you weren’t coming.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Plus, I love boats.”

“Then pick your favorite room and stay the night. Each guestroom has a unique theme.”

“Are you staying the night, too?”

“That’s my suite. It’s unlocked if you want a tour.”

My heart started beating ferociously. Was that an invitation to his bed? Should I make a move?

I had never made a move on a man, but just ten minutes ago, I was terrified of dying alone because I couldn’t snap out of Damon’s love haze. And now, he was sending me signals. Strong signals.

Damon had mastered the skill of letting me down gently. For whatever reason, he was flirting with me tonight. The sharp thrill of daring to claim my hidden desire clawed at my chest. I needed to shoot my shot. It was now or never.

Without giving myself the chance to change my mind, I went onto my tiptoes. With trembling hands, I grabbed the back of his neck and tugged his head down. His gaze, which was nothing short of shocked, clashed with mine. I thought he would push me away. Instead, he was motionless. Encouraged, I brushed my mouth against his, giving him my very first kiss.

The world tilted for a moment. His mouth was softer than I had expected, a contrast to the rough edges of his jawand the controlled calm in his eyes. Electricity shot through me, a sudden heat that pooled in my chest and spilled to my fingertips. Every nerve stood on alert, each heartbeat echoing against his quiet stillness. The fleeting kiss left me breathless, and just like that, it was over.

My cheeks burned hot as I pulled back to assess his reaction. Stormy blue eyes watched me steadily. He was going to push me away, I just knew it, and I braced for his rejection.

Oh God. What had I done? If I hadn’t had three double-shot vodkas in my system or freaked out about dying alone, I would have never done something so stupid.

Feeling foolish about my impulsiveness, I started to drop my hands, but he stunned me by grabbing them. He moved them back to his neck.

My mouth dropped.

My head swam with alcohol, and I swayed, or perhaps it was because of the way he was looking at me. His gaze was lecherous, and totally unlike him, as one of his hands wrapped around my waist. I didn’t get much more of a warning before his lips swooped down to meet mine.

The world ceased to exist. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, and even my fingertips were pounding with the blood rushing everywhere in my body. His lips lifted off mine for a moment, and I stared back at him, wide-eyed and utterly mesmerized, no coherent thoughts stirring in my mind. Almost imperceptibly, he began his descent, giving me space. We were so attuned; he knew of my invisible bubble and how difficult it was to be touched. But he needn’t worry. This rule existed for everyone but him.

He paused mere millimeters from my mouth. When I didn’t protest, he closed the distance between us. Our lips met in the same earth-shattering manner, and he drew me closer, my chestpressing against his. I clung to his white dress shirt desperately, wondering whether I would float away if I let go.

For years, Damon had thwarted my feelings. Why was he suddenly interested in me? I didn’t understand the change of heart, but I couldn’t seek answers, not when he was kissing me like his life depended on it.

Chapter

Twenty