Page 16 of Desperate Temptations

His hands cupped her face and lifted until his gaze caught hers.

“As soon as I can, I’m going to strip you naked, tuck you under me, and keep you there until we’re both so exhausted and sore from fucking, we can’t move.”

In ways that alternately thrilled and frightened her, Jessa wedged her arms between them. She wanted to get away from him, but at the same time, wrapped herself around him. This was too much, too fast. She shook her head vigorously.

“No. God, Cain, this ... this thing between us can’t happen.”

“Sshh.” Cain pulled her back into his arms. His voice was low and smooth. “Why, Baby? What’s holding you back?”

Jessa froze as her breath caught in her throat. The thought of giving herself to this man sent waves of pure molten lava through her veins, weakening her legs. She took a deep breath, her arms going around his waist again. She craved the comfort he could give her, even if he was the one who caused it. He was making this so hard. She whispered into his shirt.

“Because until I know who killed Drew, I feel like I’m still married to him.”

Cain’s dark brows snapped together, his jaw and mouth set. His voice was ruthless, and he cupped her chin so he could see her face.

“The hell you are. Drew’s been gone for close to two years.”

Swallowing a sob that rose in her throat, she said, “It’s not that easy. Drew was my whole world for over five years.”

His look of determined intensity was making her flustered.

“I’m not going to give up on this, Sweetheart. I’ll be patient, but be warned, I’ll do everything I can to encourage you to give yourself to me, and then there’s no going back.”

So fast she had no time to move, he drew her tighter against him and pulled her into a hard, possessive embrace. She whimpered, feeling the tension, the hardness he did nothing to hide. Surprised, she looked up at him and groaned when his mouth covered hers hungrily, thrusting his tongue into the depths of her mouth like he wanted to absorb her or eat her alive.

Jessa’s eyes fluttered closed. Her eyelids felt too heavy to stay open. Her breathing became labored. All she felt was the need that raged through her body. Her body trembled, locked in the grip of something so powerful she no longer felt she had control. Never had she felt this overwhelming, out-of-control desire. She discerned nothing but this moment.

The needy moan that slipped past her lips stunned her, bringing her back to the present. She jerked her head back. Good God, she wasn’t ready for this, for him. Jessa stared at Cain. Her eyes were glazed, her breathing ragged, her lips wet and swollen from his kiss. She pushed away from him when his head lowered, intent on retaking her mouth. If that happened, she didn’t know if she was strong enough to pull back a second time.

This was one of the hardest struggles she’d had to endure, and she was nowhere near strong enough to deal with it. She couldn’t understand the wrenching pain that developed in her midsection.

Chapter Twelve

It was the tears she tried to blink away that stopped him from pushing her further.

He pulled back and kept a grip on her shoulders when she seemed to waver.

Only when she felt stable did he allow her to step away from him. She pushed an unsteady hand through her long hair and slowly raised her eyes. She gripped her hands together, trying to still the trembling. Jessa bit her lip and looked away.

“This can’t happen again. In fact, I think it best if we stay away from each other.”

His jaw tightened, his expression clouded in anger and determination. His eyes narrowed.

“Oh, it will happen again,” he said as he took an intimidating step toward her. “It will be easier for you if you come to terms with the idea of me in your life. Until I know you’re safe, I’ll be stuck to you.”

Cain pressed his thumb against her chin when she went to argue.

“I’ve wanted you for a long time, and even when I thought I’d never have you, I still craved you. Your fondness for snooping where you don’t belong brought me into your life, so now I’m not leaving. The only way I would leave you alone is if you hadn’t been able to feel the same for me.”

He watched her jaw bunch in irritation as he continued, “Well, we both know that’s not the case. Don’t we?” he said.

Her chin rose stubbornly. His mouth quirked at her show of temper. He did not want to push her anymore that night, so he held up his hands.

“Look, I’m heading out now, but I’ll be in touch really soon.”

He took a step toward her intent on one more taste, only to stop when she put her hands out in front of her and shook her head.

“I won’t let you hold me off too much longer,” he arrogantly stated.

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