Page 73 of Three Reckless Words

He won’t kiss me.

The thought flash freezes the warmth that was spreading lower with every second we grew closer. He doesn’t want me and that’s cool.

Absolutely fine.

It’s not like Iwantto kiss this man anyway, no matter how carried away we got in the heat of the moment.

I wasn’t thinking.

I barely know him.

He wasn’t that polite or gentle the first time we met. Even though he’s been a lot nicer since, this whole situation feels too abrupt. Too sudden.

Too self-destructive for sure.

I follow him back to the cabin in grim silence, leaving the happy bees behind.

Archer’s face is closed off, his eyes everywhere but on me. I make sure not to look at him after my first little glance.

Two can play this silly game.

“Thanks for the cheesecake,” he says as we step into the kitchen. “It was delicious. Colt would’ve wolfed it all down in one go if I’d let him.”

“Oh, yeah. You’re welcome.” I do my best not to imagine Rina, the ex-wife, eating it with them. “I just wanted to… apologize for the whole situation, y’know.”

“No need. I’ll be in touch.” His eyes linger on my face for a beat too long.

“Okay.” I’m crushed as I nod, forcing myself to stay where I am as he turns for the door.

Every part of me wants to say something to make him stay, but I bite my lip.

He’s leaving.

Heshould.

This situation is explosive enough without introducing kissing and aching desire and mind-blowing sex, but I—

He pauses on the threshold, slowly glancing back over his shoulder.

Then he turns.

His hand tightens on the doorknob before he slams it shut and strides back over.

I only have time to blurt out “Wha—” before he’s on me, guns blazing, one hand on my waist and the other sliding up my jaw, bracing me.

His kiss is all animal.

Rough, furious, greedy.

He gives me teeth and tongue and thunder, pushing a growl in my mouth that vibrates my bones.

He kisses like his lips have been aching to do it for months—foryears—maybe for his entire freaking life.

I’m hit by a force of nature, swept back faster than I can breathe.

My back thunks against the wall and my hair spills everywhere.

I haven’t even moved. That’s all him, shoving me until I’m secure and held up, a willing victim just waiting to be pillaged.

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