Page 56 of Give Me Strength

His hand stills mid-action. “Ash?”

The air grows thick and heavy between us, as Gilbert’s dark, piercing eyes bore into mine. I feel woozy and hot, pinned in place. His gaze shifts to my lips, and his gaze darkens.

I lick my lips, and he draws in a sharp breath. He moves closer, lifts his hand to rest on my cheek, his thumb rests on my bottom lip.

For one breathless moment, it’s like we’re both weighing our options. There’s no denying this any longer. Nowhere to hide. No well meaning pun to dispel the tension simmering between us.

All either of us has to do is lean in.

Do I want him to?

My core clenches, and I know that I have my answer.

“Gilbert.” His name sounds like a plea on my lips, my voice so husky with need I hardly recognize it.

The world stands still for a beat, and then he mutters “Fuck it,” under his breath, his rough voice vibrating between my legs. He closes the distance between us, slides his hand into my hair and seals his lips over mine, and I’m a goner.

Because Gilbert doesn’t just kiss me.

He devours me like there’s no tomorrow, and I help it along.

I mean, how could I not?

My brain goes utterly blank, my body moves of its own accord as I climb onto his lap, my legs straddling either side of his thighs, bringing my sopping core flush against his erection. My hands go to his hair, clenching fistfuls as I eagerly grind against him. He chuckles huskily into my mouth, his fingers tightening in my hair, and his tongue slides over in a passionate dance that reset my entire being. I’m thrumming in his hands, utterly putty. I forget to breathe, every part of me comes alive as a simple kiss that is anything but simple short-circuits my brain. It’s as though my blood is on fire as it runs through my veins.

All from just a kiss.

I have so many questions. Oh, so many.

After what feels like an eternity, I reluctantly pull away. The kiss, as incredible as it is, might have just complicated things. And, since I suck at schooling my features, he sees it too — whatever it is — written all over my face. His lips are utterly swollen, his brow furrowed as he lifts my body off his lap and sets me down on the loveseat. He spears his hands through his disastrous hair, and another step, and ‘fuck’ slips past those delectable lips that were devouring mine just seconds prior.

Then he’s gone.

25

ASHLYNN

It’s hard not to take it personal when, the man you’ve always liked kisses you within an inch of your life, then turns and walks away.

Runs, more like.

Okay, sprints.

I might be inexperienced, but even I know that’s not a normal reaction.

Standing on shaky legs, I wander back to my room and get ready for the night. I could go to the studio and run through a few routines, but I’m overstimulated. I never thought there would ever come the day where I would be too buzzed to dance, until Gilbert McKenzie put his lips on mine. Then he fled.

Yet, the lights in his room remain on. I could go after him, demand an explanation. Instead, I opt for an extra long shower instead. The orgasm I manage to give myself using the shower head is very unsatisfying. I pull on a tank top and shorts, and nestle under the covers, tossing and turning, my body still buzzed.

An hour later, I hear a soft knock on my door. Only this time, it’s coming from the walk-in closet. I could ignore him, but I know it’s not a mistake. Yet…

“I’m not in the mood,” I call out, and I won’t pretend my hand isn’t nestled between my legs.

The door slides open anyway. “Ashlynn, I need to explain,” he says, his words are low, lost.

I drape an arm over my eyes. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“I know you don’t, and I’m sorry.”

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