I duck under his arm, but he blocks my way. And an unnerving undercurrent unfurls between us.

“Don’t lie to me again, Emerald. You’re a lousy liar, and you won’t get away with it around me.”

I purse my lips. It’s problematic when a dress has a security tag. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it means I have to find a back door or staff exit to go through when I take it from a boutique. But it’s even more annoying when it means I get found out by someone like Saint. I’m awful at lying and just need to get away from him as quickly as possible.

I go to hurry past him and back toward the casino, but he pushes me up against the wall again. “I’m not letting you go that easily…”

Our eyes meet.

But it’s different this time.

I see more in his brown eyes. See how deep they are. How hot. How eager. For me.

He closes what little space remains between us.

My throat tightens.

His lips press up firmly against mine.

And all thoughts fly out of my mind like a ferocious wind seeking freedom in the skies. All I can feel are the demands of his mouth. The heat of his body. The pull of his need.

He parts my lips with his tongue, and grasping my head between his strong hands, he deepens the kiss, sucking my bottom lip and teasing it with his tongue.

I slowly meet his strokes. Breathe him in as I feel his tongue slick against mine. Exhaling softly, I tug him closer, his body grinding against mine as his tongue curls and flicks and teases me. And despite everything, I want him. Everything he’s offering and then some.

His passion scorches through me. Stoking the embers of desire low in my belly. I groan and arch my hips, rubbing against him, desperate for more as his deep kisses continue.

He feasts on me, devouring me however he can. His hands roam my body. Cupping my ass, he tugs me closer until his hands caress over my thighs and creep under my hem.

He groans, and I can feel how hard he is against me. He turns his hand to brush his knuckles over my panties with the barest of caresses.

I shudder. “Please...” It’s a ridiculous request. But I want him. And my pleasure is one thing I’ll let him take care of.

Groaning against my mouth, he kisses me in that same hungry way that has me squirming against him even more.

He jerks my tight dress up. Hitches it around my waist.

And for a moment, I freeze. “It’s broad daylight…”

“I won’t let anyone see,” he growls. His fingers caress the lace of my thong against my swollen folds.

I whimper as my body involuntarily arches into his hand.

“You won’t be worried in a few minutes.Not when you’re coming all over my hand.”

A low sound leaves my throat. It sounds vaguely like his name. But it doesn’t matter what I’m saying because he keeps touching me. Stroking me.

Until I want to give him what he wants. And as long as we both get the pleasure we need, nothing else matters right now.

“You’re soaking wet, Emerald. Soaked for me.” His harsh voice grits out in my ear before licking the spot just below. “As much as I want you loud and moaning for me, I want you quiet, so no one comes out. I need to make sure you finish.”

“Yes,” I breathe. I don’t want him to stop now. Can’t have him stop.

“Good girl.”

His fingers push my thong to the side. And I hold my breath as he skims his fingers from my entrance to my aching clit. He presses his forehead to mine. “So hot and so fucking wet for me.”

He kisses me again, his tongue swirling and flicking to match the beat of his fingers.