Her fingers curled into fists against his chest, but it was like trying to make a brick wall move. His mouth latched to the sensitive skin of her neck, and wetness pooled between her thighs even as her cheeks started to burn.

Kiss-swollen lips only took minutes to fade, but this?

When he finally lifted his head and slowly stepped away, the first thing she saw was people hurriedly hiding their phones and acting as if they hadn't just taken photos of Lucius and her.

"Does it bother you?"

His tone of quiet concern didn't have her so easily fooled this time, and seeing Tassy make a face had Lucius dropping his act as his lips curved into another smirk.

Sheesh.

"You really are a sadist," Tassy exclaimed in exasperation.

"Only with you, baby girl."

"I'm starting to believe that." While the paps had been nothing but religious in covering Lucius' social life, the only photos they had were of Lucius and his date having dinner or Lucius helping his date in or out of his limo. Photos, however, that caught Lucius engaged in public displays of affection?

The billionaire cupped her chin. "Tell me what's on your mind."

"What if I don't want to tell you?"

"Then tell me to mind my own business so you can find out."

The way his coppery eyes glinted had Tassy shivering despite herself. "I thought you were joking when you told me you were demanding."

"I don't make a habit of lying, and I suggest you don't either...for your own good."

Since she was no liar herself, the threat left her unimpressed, and Tassy crossed her arms over her chest, deciding it washerturn to do a little teasing.

"Does this mean you were telling the truth when you said you're just like me?"

"Of course."

"So you also get jealous easily?"

Lucius' gaze bored through hers. "I'm not an idiot, Tassina. I willnevergive you an excuse to spend time with another man. Iamthe type to get jealous, and you can just take my fucking word for it."

"You got me there," she said with a sigh. "But...what about being clingy? Can you see yourself wanting me more than anything else?"

"Yes."

"So much so that you can't bear to be apart from me?"

"Yes."

"Mm."

The sound had Lucius gritting his teeth without knowing why. "Is that supposed to insinuate something?"

"I was just wondering if you've also noticed..."

"Just get to the point—-"

Lucius broke off when Tassy suddenly clutched his shoulders as she raised herself on her toes in order to whisper in his ear.

"You're way past the halfway point as well, Mr. Young. I think you're more than a little in love with me yourself."

Chapter Seven