Page 60 of Rags to Royals

Thank God. Fuck yes.

Those are the words that go through my mind. I need her mouth on me. I need her hands on me. I need to touch her, feel her, smell her, taste her. I struggle to keep control and let her lead this, butdamnit takes everything I’ve got.

It feels like she’s exploring. Her lips are soft, seeking. She pulls back, tips her head, then comes back at the kiss from a new angle.

She strokes my shoulders, my neck, down over my chest.

I want to growl, but I keep that inside too somehow.

Finally, she lifts her head. She stares at me for a few beats. “I’ve missed you,” she finally says.

Fuck. That almost stops my heart. I’m not surprised by the sentiment, but I am surprised she admits it.

My hands are now resting on the outer curve of her ass. I squeeze her. “I’ve been dying slowly without you.”I can’tnotsay that.

She gives a breathy groan. It sounds a little exasperated. And a little turned on. She starts to say something, then seems to think better of it, and instead leans in, pressing her mouth to mine again.

I let her lead the kiss for a few seconds. I don’t know if she just wants a sweet connection and just getting reacquainted, or if she needs something more.

I want to consume her. I want to wrap myself around her and not let her go for days. Maybe weeks. I want to tell her I love her. I want to get down on one knee. I want to beg her to let me take care of her.

But I also know that I can’t push her. I’m here to stay for the next couple of weeks, but how close she lets me get is up to her in large part. I will press every advantage. I am not too proud to admit that. I can be a gentleman when the occasion calls for it, but I’m not so sure that’s the right approach with the woman in my lap. Scarlett needs to be pursued. She needs to be wanted.I sensed that even in New Orleans. She loved my words, hearing how much I wanted her, being praised. She responded every single time. But now that I know more about her past and her situation here, I realize it’s even more important.

Which works out well, because I don’t think I could leave her alone for anything. I fully intend to pursue her until she tells me to back the hell off. And means it.

She pulls back and studies me again, breathing a little faster now.

Her hand runs over my jaw. “I miss your beard. But you’re really handsome like this too. You look younger though.”

I lift a brow. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

She presses her lips together. “I should probably say bad, but I don’t think it is.”

I bring her forward, making sure she feels my hard cock. “Because you think you’re seducing me again?”

She nods.

“Scarlett.”

I make sure her eyes are locked on mine.

“No one’s manipulating anyone. No one’s tricking anyone. I know exactly where I am, why I’m here, and what I want.” I pause. “How about you? Are you here of your free will?”

She nods.

“And what do you need from me?” I ask gruffly.

If she pushes back, gets up, and goes inside, I will let her go. For now. But I’m going to try to make that a difficult decision.

She kept me waiting, wanting, searching for months. For the last two months, she’s known where I have been and that I wanted her. For longer she’s known who I am and where I am and she still kept herself away from me.

I should punish her for that. Make her needy and desperate.

I shouldn’t let her know she has all the power here.

But she absolutely does.

“You,” she finally says. “Having you here feels good.Youmake me feel good. I…” She trails off and swallows.

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