Page 35 of Trust

God damn, he wanted her.

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” Olivia said breathlessly.

Without considering the consequences, he lifted his thumb, ran it slowly over her bottom lip, and groaned when her teeth sunk into his soft flesh. “Don’t.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

Confusion and desire stormed through his veins, and he gave in to the feelings he’d been fighting since laying eyes on the damnable woman.

In one motion, he scooped her into his arms and crushed her against his chest as he lay claim to her mouth.

Not sure if she would welcome his crazy gesture, he kept the contact soft but insistent, wishing his will alone could make her like him again.

Blessed relief washed across his battered soul when she softened and returned the kiss. Then lust tore through him like a rioting mob, annihilating all the promises he’d made earlier about staying away. Heat slicked his skin, and he swore the dumb-ass organ in his chest was about to be pushed to its limits.

He kept their mouths touching and spoke against her lips, “I’m sorry. I got spooked and…”

Olivia leaned back and scraped her eyes over his face. “Did you run because you’re too stubborn and proud to be bad at something new?”

“What? No!”

Receiving a lifted eyebrow in response, he tightened his hold. “The idea of failing you in any way is too uncomfortable to contemplate. I always succeed. No matter what it takes.”

She slid down his chest and let her feet fall to the ground. “Our budding flirtation being the exception.”

“I don’t like entering a battlespace that can’t be dominated.”

“The fact that you just compared me to a battlespace tells me that avoiding any,” she waved her hand, “entanglement is the smartest choice I could've made.”

“I told you I wasn’t good at this romance stuff.” He took her hand and ran a finger over the many rings that decorated her long fingers. “I miss your light, Liv.”

“Really?”

“So freaking much. I tried to stay away.” He took her other hand and felt her stiffen. “Liv…”

“Don’t move.”

Not caring for the alarm in her voice, he spun around to assess the threat. When he spied a fat skunk, he let out a chuckle. “It’s just…”

“The most villainous, bad-tempered animal in all of Haven.” Olivia took a small step back. “His spray is legendary, and I’ve been his victim more than once.”

“We haven’t threatened him, so there’s no reason to…” The skunk spun around, lifted its tail, and sprayed before he could get them out of range. “Awww, shit.”

Olivia coughed and turned, running for the side of the house. “I told you!”

“Where are you going?”

“We’ve got to get out of these clothes and shower!”

Feeling his eyes water, he glared at the offending animal. “That was uncalled for.”

“Are you coming?” Olivia called out.

“On my way,” He jogged to the side of the house and watched Oliva throw open a curtain to an impressive outdoor shower. “Nice setup. May have to add something like that to the Hawker homestead.”

“Why are you standing there, Zane? Get out of your clothes.”

“I can just…” Brain sputtering, he tried not to let his jaw fall to the ground as Olivia’s T-shirt flew over her head. “So many tempting slopes and valleys.”

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