And if she put it off any longer, the anticipation would only make it worse. Better to just get it over and done so she could dismiss the darn thing from her mind.
Besides…since he was an honest-to-goodness werewolf, he would not fit in her city lifestyle stateside. Hell, her apartment didn’t even allow dogs. They peed on the furniture, not to mention the whole nose in the crotch and chasing cars thing.
The silliness of her thoughts caught up with her.
Nerves.
She had to stop staring at his lips and just do it.
Recklessness took hold. If this was going to be their last kiss, she decided to indulge herself and experience everything.
What could it hurt?
She would be gone in a week.
Determined to enjoy the experience in full, she took a moment to really appreciate the gorgeous specimen before her. He’d kept his hair long, tied back, a rich, dark brown that tempted her to run her fingers through. The angles of his face invited her gaze to linger. He was more rough-hewn than handsome, so why couldn’t she keep her eyes off him?
Pinned under his gaze, she saw his green eyes were like lightening, flickering with emotions. His look made her feel exposed, showing her a hunger that wouldn’t be satisfied with a quick peck. The realization made her skin tingle.
No other man had ever looked at like way.
She never lacked for dates, but they had always bored her before the end of the evening. More of a distraction while she waited for her life to begin.
Despite the long list of reasons that he was all wrong for her, she still wanted Aiden. Or maybe craved was a better word. She missed the casual closeness between them while they were on the run. She wanted that again.
But the stubborn jackass didn’t move, as if enjoying stretching out the torture.
Anticipation was likely to kill her.
“Let’s get this over with.” A full minute passed before she finally looked up at him in confusion. “Well?”
He flashed her a devilish smile, revealing sharp, white teeth. She’d almost swear they were longer…like fangs. Muscles shifted as he crossed his arms and raised a brow. “You promised to give me a kiss.”
The beastly man was going to make her work for it. Shayla huffed, hating that he could remain so unaffected. “I can’t reach you.”
With that same maddening smile on his face, Aiden circled her, almost but not quite touching, then strode across the room. He lingered by the bed. Shayla stared at his broad back, her heart thundering at the image of him lying there, all primed and ready for her.
Only when he continued past was she able to breathe again, trying to rationalize why the bed was such a bad idea.
Aiden seated himself on a high-backed chair, his large frame dwarfed the thing. He slouched back, legs splayed, every inch of him on display for her to admire. He waited, as if he had all the time in the world.
And from the way he studied her reaction, she suspected his nonchalance was done on purpose. He was trying to seduce her. Heat flushed through her at the realization. It should’ve made her wary.
Maybe it would have if she hadn’t noticed the stiff set of his shoulders.
Like it took all his restraint to let her take control.
There was no going back. He wouldn’t allow it, and she wanted that blasted kiss. Anything to stop thinking about it. The suspense would only worsen the longer she put it off.
Aiden watched the sway of Shayla’s hips as she neared…and he nearly called a halt, would have if his tongue hadn’t become stuck at the way her gaze swept over him. He hardened in a painful instant, his clothes became suffocating, a barrier he wanted gone.
The only thing that kept him from pouncing on her was the smell of sweet, unadulterated lust. He never expected to be so turned on by her reaction.
Energy thrummed under his skin, but he remained frozen for fear that one small move on his part would send her fleeing. She peered down at him, her gaze leaving trails of heat everywhere she looked. Then her eyes narrowed as if noticing a problem.
“Sit up.”
“No.” Aiden eased back further, linking his fingers and resting his hands on his chest. To reach his lips, she’d have to lean over him…which the dress didn’t allow.
That only left her with one recourse.
To crawl onto his lap.
He was having fun testing her boundaries, discovering how far he could push her. He waited for her to call his bluff, storm away from her promise. He’d be out of the chair to claim that kiss before she could so much as twitched. Instead, she slowly gathered the dress into her fists, drawing the fabric up her silky-smooth legs, one gorgeous inch at a time.
Any further thoughts of teasing her, tormenting her, vanished as the dress rose above her knees and kept on rising. Aiden slowly straightened, unable to tear his gaze away from the lush flesh. He tightened his fingers, not daring to lower his arms lest he reach for her. By the time her skirt hit mid-thigh, he was leaning forward for a better view.
The edges of the dress dropped back toward the floor.
“Wait!” His head shot up in protest.
Soft, delicate hands cupped his face, tipping his head back. Her fingertips skimmed along his jaw, and the world around him stilled at the light touch. His heart skipped a beat as she closed the distance between them, and he ignored the betraying tremble of pure lust when her breath feathered his chin.
The instant her lips touched his, he wrapped his arms around her waist and launched out of the chair, taking command of the kiss, ruthlessly plundering her mouth, unable to get enough. His hands fisted into the fabric of her dress and he pulled her closer, wanting to feel her everywhere.
Instead of retreating in fear, she pressed into him, seeking more. Her lips and tongue dueled with his, and one taste simply wasn’t enough.
He wanted more.
Everything.
He dragged his hands down her curves, thrilled by the way she leaned into his touch. He slowly gathered the skirt in his fists and drew it up, remembering her little striptease.
He wanted the dress off her.
Now.
The ties to the dress shredded, and smooth skin met his palms.
Shayla drew back, the dress barely clinging to her curves.
Chest heaving to catch a breath, catch another scent of her, he forcefully uncurled his fingers from the mangled fabric.
But he couldn’t make himself step back.
Hell, it was all he could do not to devour her on the spot.
He expected her to run, slap him and cry rape like his wife. He waited for her to berate him for his brutish lack of control, pawing at her like a filthy beast.
The last thing he expected her to do was reach for the hem of his shirt and tug it over his head. He stood, stunned, as her eyes traced the contours of his chest.
And that was when it finally sank in that he wanted her for more than sex or a means to track his kidnappers.
He actually liked her.
Chapter Seventeen
The pained expression on Aiden’s face brought Shayla up short. Here she was, panting after the guy, practically molesting him, while he was in pain. Horror quickly overpowered her lust, and she thrust his shirt back toward him. “I’m sorry. I think it’s best you leave.”
“No.”
Shayla raised her brows at his blunt refusal. Something very predatory about the way he watched her put her on alert. He noted every subtle shift, watched her heart beat at the base of her throat. Shayla knew without a doubt that if she ran, he’d be on her in an instant.
She should be scared.
Would have if she hadn’t wanted to be caught.
“Supper.” She gasped the word when he took a step toward her. “We’ll be late.”
“Doesn’t begin until after dark.” Then he smiled, and she very much felt like the waiting feast…ready to be devoured.
Shayla whirled, the primitive part of her brain urging her to flee. Running was a mistake, but
before she could tell her brain to stop, it was too late. She managed only one step before she went airborne. A startled shriek tore from her, and became muffled when she landed face-first on the soft bed.
As soon as she rolling to her back, she was riveted by the sight of Aiden. Shirtless. It completely shut down her brain. He seemed equally occupied. Curious to know what had so captured his attention, she looked down.
The ripped dress barely clung to her breasts, leaving her nearly exposed. She hastily tugged up the bodice, but the trapped material wouldn’t budge under her weight without some serious wiggling.
“Tell me to leave.”
Shayla blinked. She’d expected him to pounce. Take what he wanted. It would’ve been so much easier if he had. Instead, he gave her a choice. A funny flip-flop in her stomach made her uncertain which way to jump. She hated feeling indecisive. Things in her life were always black and white. He muddled things. Made her doubt what she wanted.
She didn’t do impulsive. Maybe that was her problem. Her stale life bored her to tears. Aiden was anything but stale.
He stood before her, all but vibrating with restraint. His hands were fisted at his side as if he knew the outcome and waited for her to send him packing.
Shayla slowly rose to her knees, pulling the skirt up her legs so she could move freely. The band of indecision around her chest eased, and a new boldness took hold.
She wanted him.
She had a week, and she planned to enjoy herself until she had to go back and face her old life.
The thought of touching him tingled through her. She licked her lips, almost drooling over all those lovely muscles. “Stay.”
That same stillness stole over Aiden once more, as if he were afraid to even breathe lest he scare her off. Silly man. Now that she’d made up her mind, Shayla was determined to enjoy every minute. Still on her knees, she edged toward the end of the mattress, pausing when only a foot separated them.
With her eyes on his, she stood on the bed. A small tug snapped the last few threads, and the remains of her dress slithered down the length of her body, until she stood before him, dressed in only her panties.
She expected his eyes to drop.
Waited for him to reach out and ravish her.
Nothing.
Fingers trembling, Shayla traced his face, marveling at the texture of his skin and the luxury of touching him. She slid her fingers into his hair and leaned forward, stopping just short of kissing him. “Tell me to stop.”
Something in him snapped. He took one step, wrapped his arms around her, and smashed his mouth to hers. He forced her lips apart, no finesse, almost brutal. Heat flickered through her at his loss of control, and she returned the kiss, nipping at him when he tried to pull back.
Her aggression spurred him into action. He whirled, sweeping her clear off the bed. Shayla quickly wrapped her legs around his hips, gasping at the feel of his arousal.
He took advantage of her distraction, trailing his lips down her throat. When he dragged his teeth against the sensitive spot under her ear, she arched into him. His hands tightened on her hips, clutching her closer, and he bucked against her.
She couldn’t stifle a hum of pleasure. When his mouth wandered lower, Shayla leaned back, trusting him not to drop her as she offered herself to him. As soon as his mouth moved to her breast, all thoughts stopped but the need for more.
She scraped her nails over his shoulders, dragging him closer. She felt herself being lowered and shivered at the brush of a plush rug against her back. The fire in the grate snapped, the heat of the flames bathing her skin.
When he released her, she groaned in complaint. His palms brushed over her skin, a barely-there touch, his callused hands against her flesh ratcheting up her need to an unbearable level. She never expected him to be so gentle. He traced the lace edges of her panties, and a wave of longing speared through her.
She quickly grabbed his hand, halting further exploration. His eyes flicked toward hers. He didn’t protest. He didn’t show any emotion at all.
* * *
Aiden froze. Her action spoke louder than any scream of protest. But he couldn’t move as he battled the urge to just take. His late wife used to drive him to the edge, take her release, and then often left him wanting. That was when she let him get anywhere near her.
He waited for Shayla to pull away in disgust, his muscles trembling as he tried to haul himself back.
“I can give you pleasure.” The plea escaped unbidden. It didn’t matter. He didn’t have any pride left. He needed the taste of her more.
When Shayla scooted out from under him, the last of the warmth in his chest shattered at her rejection. He closed his eyes, unable to bear watching her walk away.
So when he felt the brush of her lips against his chest, all breathing stopped. He didn’t dare move, terrified that she’d stop. She nipped at him, then licked the spot as if to soothe it.
His eyes snapped open. He looked down to see her watching him. “But what if I want to give you pleasure?”
He swelled at her words, almost spilling himself in his jeans. Shayla gave a seductive smile, then went back to driving him mad. Her lips trailed over his chest. Each kiss, every little nip, drove him closer to the edge.
Small hands skimmed up his chest, then pressed against his shoulders. A little uncertain, he allowed himself to be pushed to his back. She straddled his hips, grinning in triumph, and his heart thumped painfully at her playfulness. The women he did business with enjoyed themselves, but he had always been the one in control. They never sought more.
He wanted to take command, shower her with pleasure, but her touch slayed him. He couldn’t deny himself of the novelty of it. Just the soft feel of her hands skating over his ribs, then down to the waistband of his pants made his body arch up in expectation.
Nails skated over his skin, light at first, then sharper when he inhaled abruptly.
“You liked that.” It wasn’t a question.
Aiden gripped the rug to hold himself still, struggling not to take everything she offered in a rush of need. She leaned over him, her breasts brushing his chest. Instead of kissing him, she stretched to whisper in his ear. “You’re wearing a lot of clothes.”
She nibbled at his earlobe then his neck, working her way down his body until she was seated between his legs. She gave one last, sharp bite to his stomach that made him swallow hard.
Then she straightened. Anticipation twisted through him until every muscle went taunt, dying to know what she’d do next. Those clever fingers touched the fastening of his jeans, and smoothly undid the button. Then she slowly, ever-so-carefully, lowered the zipper.
Breathing stopped being important when his erection sprang free. He throbbed, aching for even the softest brush of her fingers.
But she wouldn’t grant him his wish. She avoided his erection, tugging at his clothes until he was naked. Then she knelt between his knees, gazing up at his body.
Scars covered him, some decades old, the majority of them too vicious to heal properly. They weren’t a pretty sight, and he moved to cover them. “Shayla…”
“No.”
His heart dropped. He gritted his teeth to keep from begging, and cursed himself for being a fool. For forgetting why he never let women close.
“Lie back down. I wasn’t done yet.”
Aiden’s head snapped up, and a little grumble vibrated in his chest. He didn’t want to. Each second he didn’t have her beneath him was torture. He wasn’t sure how much more he could withstand.
But the thought of what she might do to him triggered instant obedience. She ran her hands along his legs, tracing the scars, healing old wounds with just a kiss. Her breasts brushed tantalizingly against his thighs.
He opened his legs wider at her nudge. When her mouth hovered over his erection, her breath nearly set him off, and he couldn’t keep his hips from lifting toward her beautiful mouth. Instead of complying with his silent demand, she ignored the part of him that
needed her the most…and continued on her journey up his stomach.
“You missed a spot.”
Shayla paused. Her lashes slowly lifted and she gazed up at him. She gradually straightened, her brows furrowed. “Did I?”
Aiden could only swallow and nod, surprised that he’d dared interrupt her. More surprised that she didn’t storm off in a huff and leave him to suffer.
“And where would that be?” When she leaned back, the silk of her damp panties nestled over his erection.
Aiden growled at the waiting heat denied him. He sat abruptly and dragged her against him.
Shayla inhaled deeply at the feel of him between her legs, the crisp hair of his chest rubbing against her breasts. “No fair. I wasn’t done.”
Aiden gathered a length of her hair and tugged her head back until she was looking up at him. “Much more and we’ll both be done before we’ve even started.”
Shayla gulped at the sheer lust in his voice. She wiggled, and his hands clamped down on her hips, but instead of stopping her, he guided her against him.
Shockingly fast, Shayla was on the verge of release.
“Not so quick.”
She felt herself being lifted and set away.
“Wha—”
He pushed her onto her back, crawling over her body, careful to not touch her in any way. Then he smiled. “My turn.”
Pure desire shot straight to her core, and Shayla smiled, reaching for him. “No need. I’m very ready.”
Good lord, she was more than ready.
Instead of falling into her arms and taking what she offered, the bastard only smiled. “How can that be? You’re still wearing clothes. Let’s make sure.”
Her eyes nearly crossed. He knelt between her thighs, draping her legs over his hips. He ran his hands up past her knees, over her outer thighs, his fingers tracing the elastic of her panties.
Then he casually shredded the fabric, leaving her completely vulnerable. He avoided touching her intimately and simply gazed at her. Then, as if he’d finally decided on a plan of attack, he leaned over and gave his complete attention to her breasts.
The action settled his erection against her core. Shayla couldn’t keep still, thrusting up against him, the length of him rubbing her in all the right ways.
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