Page 152 of Saving Her

Not until Luca.

“I just…” I reach for him, my palm reclaiming its favored position against his stubbled cheek. “I…” I shake away my explanation when he stiffens further. “Do you want me to stop?”

“What are you doing, exactly, shorty?” His voice is low. Roughened.

“I don’t know. Does that matter?”

“No.” He offers the word simply, but his eyes are cautious. “Do whatever you need.”

I have a feeling he’ll regret the offer, because what I want to do is tentatively place my lips on his and see if panic overwhelms me.

I lean forward, holding his gaze, barely blinking.

Every part of me thrums. I can’t hear through the static ringing in my ears. But I feel safe, protected, his strength luring me in.

I approach to within a few inches when his nostrils flare, the grind of his jaw rippling under my fingertips. He’s uncomfortable and still I can’t smother my curiosity.

I want to try this one thing for me. Not because I was pushed. Or frightened.

Forme.

For healing.

“Penny.” My name is a warning. “You don’t want to do this.”

“Yes, I do.” I steal the space between us, brushing my mouth over his, the connection jolting through every inch of me despite the exquisite softness of his lips.

I awaken with sensation. With tingles and yearning and light.

Sexuality washes over me. But it’s not degrading or demeaning like I predict. There’s no fear or disgust.

Everything is slow and sweet, his kiss a gentle dance as a growl emanates from his chest.

He frees me, helping me spread my wings to soar while remaining immobile.

Warmth takes over. Building. The blaze burns hottest between my thighs.

I could cry from the relief.

I want to laugh and sob and sing.

Until he jerks away, breaking the heavenly connection with a scowl. “Shit. That shouldn’t have happened.”

I blink rapidly, entirely dazed. “I’m sor—”

“Don’t you dare apologize.” He shoves to his feet. “This wasn’t your mistake; it was mine.”

I wince. “I kissed you, not—”

“You were barely fucking coherent moments ago. You didn’t know what you were doing. But I did.” He shoves a hand through his hair, his scowl deepening. “I knew, and I didn’t stop it.”

He’s wrong. I knew, too.

Heart, mind and soul, I knew.

“I took advantage.” He backtracks, his hand falling to his side. “After everything you’ve been through, I still took fucking advantage.”

“Luca, no.” I scramble to my feet. “Please don’t walk away from me.”

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