Page 59 of Vows of Blood

"We have chemistry," he says. "We always did."

He rolls us, not all the way, but enough that his body is half covering mine as he stretches me out before him.

I ignore his attempts to distract me. "That's not an answer."

Another casual shrug as his hand drifts from my waist and back up, this time, under my shirt. His palm is warm against my skin, familiar and intoxicating, all at one. The pad of his thumb brushes the swell of my breast, his fingers tickling my ribs as he strokes higher, and I gasp, arching into him.

"We could have fun while it lasts,” he teases, the vibration of his deep voice seemingly traveling straight down my body to electrify my neglected core. "Remember how much fun we used to have?"

I do remember. Vividly. That's the problem.

But I also remember how good he was at taking me apart, piece by piece, until I couldn't think straight. Until I’d do anything he wanted. Until I was completely and utterly lost to him.

It's been so long since anyone’s touched me like that, so long since I felt that desired, that it’s hard to resist falling under his powerful spell again.

"You're not answering my question," I whisper, but all the fight has gone out of me.

He's right here, looking at me like he wants to devour me whole, and I’m struggling to think why that would be so bad.

"I know,” he says. “Because you never answered mine."

My nipples are already stiff and aching, straining against the thin fabric of my bra.

He runs his thumb over one tip, teasing me, as he slides his thick thigh between my legs and lifts, pressing hard against my dripping pussy, giving me the friction I crave so badly.

“It was good, too. The best, don’t you think?” His deep timbre sends a flood of need between my thighs.

Fuck, it was the best, but I’m not admitting that.

Biting back a moan, I lift my gaze to his. “Need me to boost your ego?”

His eyes flash dangerously, and I get a giddy thrill knowing I may have just laid down a gauntlet in front of a man who’s never backed away from a challenge in his life. With a determined look in his eye, he pulses his thigh between my legs, and I grind against it, horny and wanton, as he takes the weight of my breast in his hand and runs his thumb around and around my nipple, driving me insane with need.

“Maybe I need to remind you how much fun we could have.”

He kisses me before I can protest. Slowly, taking his time, and angling my head exactly where he wants it as he massages my breast now, harder, firmer.

I should push him away. Instead, I slide my fingers into his soft, wavy hair, and kiss him back.

He makes a satisfied sound low in his throat and then he's rolling me fully onto my back, his body settling over mine. His weight presses me into the mattress, solid and heavy, and overwhelming my senses in the best way.

My fingers grip the hard muscles in his shoulders, and he deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. Tingles spread outward from my core, an overwhelming craving for his touch overriding any semblance of common sense I have left, and my thighs fall open.

He accepts the invitation immediately, his hips settling between them, and even through layers of clothing, I can feel his erection pressing against my core.

I moan into his mouth, and he swallows the needy noise with a guttural curse.

Arching into him, chasing more, he obliges, his eager hand traveling lower and skimming along the waistband of my pants.

"Luca… yes."

His name on my lips breaks the last threads of his control, and he looks at me with a hunger that takes my breath away.

"Tell me to stop." His lips trail down my jaw, my neck, finding that spot just below my ear that makes me moan, nipping and sucking until I’m a writhing mess. "Tell me you don't want this."

I can't. We both know it would be a lie.

His fingers slide lower, tracing the top of my now soaked panties. My hips jerk, seeking more contact, and he smiles against my throat as he kisses down my neck, nipping and dragging his lips against every sensitive spot I possess.