Page 59 of To Tango, with Desire

Her admission was arousing as fuck. But it didn’t make her stance on intimacy any easier to process. “Are you that scared of what having sex will do to this relationship?”

“I’m not scared, I’m smart. And thinking with our privates isn’t going to make getting to know one another or getting along any easier.”

“I beg to differ. Tell me, how did you feel after our dinner date? Satisfied, I bet.”

“That’s precisely why we can’t do that again.”

“I think we’d get along just fine after a few orgasms to start.”

“Zane.”

“Amira, you proved to me the other night that you want me. And as much as it pains me to paint the obvious, we’ve already had sex.”

“So? Unless I beg you to fuck me, Zane, we’re not having it.”

A sexless marriage with Amira . . . I’d have blue balls within a week.

“Ever? You’re telling me we’re never going to have sex again.”

I watched her squirm. “No . . . obviously not ever. Just not yet. Not until I’m ready.”

“You could have stated that in the first fucking place. Look, Amira, I’m not a very patient man, but I will respect your wishes.”

“And? I can tell there’s more.”

“You’re afraid that adding sex into this arrangement will make things messy. I disagree. But maybe I can prove that to you over time. Perhaps meet in the middle somehow? I can kiss you, right?”

Amira frowned. “I—”

“Or are you afraid of that, too?”

She narrowed those pretty brown eyes in a way that made me proud. Oh yes, there was every bit a tigress under that prim suit. I couldn’t wait to unleash that side of her.

“Yes, you can kiss me.”

“Holding hands?”

She huffed now. “Don’t be a dick.”

“I’m just clarifying the terms, your terms.”

“This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. This can’t just be about sex.”

“Hey, if we’re not having sex, what harm can a kiss or two do?”

Amira bit her lip. She really was the most exquisite woman. So full of emotions, of needs. I knew my comment had goaded her. That she was backed into a corner. But I also understood that she would never back down.

“You’re playing dirty again.”

I grinned. “It’s how I win.”

“Well, if you want to win in this arrangement, you’re going to need to learn some humility. So we’re agreed. You stay out of my business. No sex until I say so, and a trial for six months—”

“A year. Amira, I swear—” I breathed out slowly, refusing to lose my cool. “I think I’ve been very generous and accommodating with your terms.”

It took a few moments before she jerked her shoulder.

“Fine, a year to give this sham of a marriage a go. But if I want out after twelve months, even if you don’t, I’m leaving.”